"STRIKE PAPYRUS"

"Workers' tools, like Pharaoh's chisels referred to here, were supplied by the state. Workers used them, but did not own them. Furthermore, there was absolutely no private trade in work tools. The various cases involving theft of tools show how determined the state was to maintain this situation. Workers found guilty of larceny, thus outside of state control, were given stiff punishments. Under such conditions, it was hard for free enterprise to arise and develop. There was some private economic activity, but circumstances were such that, as a rule, it was quite localized. "The ancient Egyptian economy was, in short, a state economy, directed by the central civil service. "The 'Strike Papyrus' , which dates back to the 29th year of Ramses III (1198-1166 BC) shows what could happen when the State-run system of economic redistribution was disrupted. The document expresses the anger and agitation of workers' community due to a substantial delay in payment or outright non-payment of wages. Here we see the angry workers at a meeting, marching as a compact group, subjecting administrative offices to full-scale assault, breaking into and occupying a building, paralyzing the work process and bringing it to a halt, all on the basis of justified claims. This is nothing less than a workers' strike at Deir-al-Medina. "For the first time, workers have asserted their rights by striking. This 'Strike Papyrus,' in short, describes the first major strike in recorded history. "Workers went on strike primarily for economic reasons ; working conditions as such were not involved. Reasons regularly cited were : failure to pay wages, cut in rations, and shortages of essential commodities, such as bread , beer, fish, oil, vegetables, and clothing." P. 531-533, AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY :THE PHARAONIC PERIOD, 2780-330 BC by Theophile Obenga (2004)