On April 15, 1937, as the economic crisis continued to rage, five thousand female dressmakers launched a strike that profoundly marked the history of unionism in Quebec. By the time they returned to work on May 3 after a three-week walkout, they had secured their first labour contract with the 80 employer members of the Dress Manufacturers’ Guild. It included union recognition, a 44-hour work week, and a substantial wage increase from $11 to $16 a week.