Fight For The Right

In 1907, France saw one of its most unusual strikes. In fact, this strike would seem unusual anywhere in the world. While better wages and working conditions were on the table as usual, this protest had an unexpected twist. The strikers were fighting for the right to grow a mustache. That is something in most cases would be a personal choice, not something that would be a factor in the workplace. Through the years, hairstyles, and yes even facial hair, or the lack thereof have been a factor is society, status, and even manhood. In 1907, mustaches were all the rage in Europe and strangely, even mandatory for policemen. The idea was that a mustache projected military-style masculinity and authority. At the same time, restaurant servers, were required to stay clean-shaven, a nod to their “lower class” status. This, of course, infuriated the restaurant workers, who did not like being relegated to a “lower class” status. So, behind the scenes, trade unions rallied for workers’ freedom to choose their own facial hair, along with demands for one day off each week and a fair share of tips, often their only real income. Surveys went out to unions to settle on dates and times, and once compiled, strike instructions were sent to members.

On April 17, 1907, at exactly 6:30pm, waiters staged a walkout. While the exact number of participants remains uncertain, The New York Times estimated about 500 were striking by late April. Despite some criticism, the waitstaff gained support from prominent figures, including members of Parliament. Socialist Deputy Antide Boyer…who had previously proposed a bill to outlaw mustache bans…called the rule “grotesque and humiliating.” Although his bill never passed, the strike ended swiftly. After 16 days, the waiters returned to work without securing a weekly day off, but with a fairer pay system, and most importantly, their mustaches intact. In many ways that was considered more important than anything else.

In a way, it all began in 1860, when mustaches became a requirement in the British Army, with regulations stating, “The chin and the under-lip will be shaved, but not the upper lip.” Prior to that time facial hair had actually been banned, but during the Crimean War (1853–1856), soldiers let their beards grow to protect against the harsh Eastern European cold. When they returned, their bearded look was seen as a mark of heroism, even catching Queen Victoria’s attention. She noted in her journal how the men had long beards and heavy knapsacks, giving a vivid picture of their life in service. From then on, beards became a popular fashion throughout Victorian England. That comment set the stage for the strike that was to come.