Mutual Laundry Company--Labor Owned Cooperative

The Mutual Laundry Company, a labor owned organization, was founded in 1915 and emerged from a largely female union: Laundry Workers’ Union, Local No. 24 who owned 50% of the companies stock. After a 1917 strike that opened the door to 100% unionization of white laundry workers in Seattle, more than 60 jobs were created for trade unionists at wages above union scale. Management and skilled labor jobs were reserved for men, while women were placed in unskilled work. During the General Strike of 1919, the Mutual Laundry Company was exempt from participating in the walkout. The company was kept open so that laundry service could be provided for the local hospitals. To prevent striking men and women from confusing the drivers with strike breakers, the servicemen drove in specially marked vehicles which read: "Hospital Laundry Only, by Order of General Strike Committee" -Arkady DeRoest. (Here is the site today). Address: 714 Broad