The Tight Pants Strike of 1966
The media called it the Tight Pants Strike. Also, the Battle of the Bulge.
In 1966, 35-year-old Pat Morris was working at International Paper’s plywood plant in Oregon when management suspended her on account of her tight-fitting pants, complaining that they were too distracting for male workers. Morris protested that other female workers were also wearing tight jeans. Nevertheless, according to her, “They said something about being too stacked and sent me home.” (Almost every paper in the country felt obliged to report that her measurements were 39-27-39.)
Even though she wasn’t in the union, the 315 union members at the plant promptly went on strike in protest, claiming that the suspension was illegal. The strike lasted a week, until Morris was allowed back to her job, wearing looser jeans.
In 1966, 35-year-old Pat Morris was working at International Paper’s plywood plant in Oregon when management suspended her on account of her tight-fitting pants, complaining that they were too distracting for male workers. Morris protested that other female workers were also wearing tight jeans. Nevertheless, according to her, “They said something about being too stacked and sent me home.” (Almost every paper in the country felt obliged to report that her measurements were 39-27-39.)
Even though she wasn’t in the union, the 315 union members at the plant promptly went on strike in protest, claiming that the suspension was illegal. The strike lasted a week, until Morris was allowed back to her job, wearing looser jeans.
(left) Cincinnati Enquirer - Aug 26, 1966; (right) Esquire - Jan 1967
New York Daily News - Sep 4, 1966
Redlands Daily Facts - Aug 31, 1966
Binghamton Press and Sun Bulletin - Sep 1, 1966
Comments
If she’s still alive today, she’d be well into her 80s. Even so, I hope she owns a nice collection of jeggings.
Posted by Brian on 01/22/19 at 09:20 PM
When they saw their first pair of yoga pants, her old bosses' heads must have exploded.
Posted by eddi on 01/22/19 at 11:49 PM
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Category: Riots, Protests and Civil Disobedience | Tradesmen, Manual Laborers, and Skilled Workers | 1960s