The Most Difficult Revolution: Women and Trade Unions

Abstract

Historically trade unions were in the forefront of social reform, campaigning against child labour, against the 12‐hour day and for free public education and universal suffrage. But with their achievement of great power and influence in the modern societies they have been less sensitive to the present day exploited and oppressed — to women and guestworkers and all those foreign in colour and language, in customs, sex and tastes. To be sure these groups are often unfamiliar with unions, and reluctant to join them even if invited because of the fear of employer reprisal and their weak position in the labour market. Characterised as they have been by transiency, dependency and divided loyalties, the unions long wished them away or accepted them if they behaved like native men, that is to say in an understandable way and with acceptable rationality. Although the similarities between the problems of women and foreign workers or workers of colour in the labour markets of the industrialised countries is an intriguing study, we shall here look specifically at the case of women, recognising the while that their problems are not unique and their oppression not unprecedented.

Gender, Organizational Justice Perceptions, and Union Organizing

“…Unions have been more successful in addressing women's issues at the bargaining table and in legislative arenas (for an overview, see Cook, Lorwin, & Daniels, 1992). Child care and family leave policies have been quite successfully integrated into collective bargaining contracts.…”

Women's Career Development in Trade Unions: The Need for a Holistic Approach

“…Even with this coordinated effort, the issue of women' s lack of proportional leadership positions in unions still exists. Cook (1992) indicates that even when urged to apply for educational programs, many women hesitate because home and work pressures outweigh the benefits they perceive. Union participation and education take time and sacrifice, and many women are simply not able to join in.…”

The gendered effects of the reregulation of the Swedish welfare state*

“…This parental leave system gives mothers and fathers paid leave from work, to take care of small or newborn children. It recognizes the best interest of the child, to have both parents involved in child rearing (Cook, Lorwin & Daniels 1992). The SAP adopted parental leave at its 1972 congress, and it became law in 1974, replacing the old maternity leave, which focused solely on mothers (Daune-Richard & Mahon 2001).…”