2.5) World War II
During the Second World War the Union threw its weight behind Churchill's Coalition Government, co-operating to secure efficient
distribution of supplies and grappling with the problems of rationing.
On the home front women keep
the wheels of industry turning
|
In 1940 when food rationing was introduced it became a headache not only for the housewife but also for the thousands of Union members serving in the shops.
As war continued, call-up hit NUDAW and the NAUSAW&C more heavily than any other union and, at one time, 100,000 retail workerswere serving in the forces. Women were once again being employed in large numbers in the industry and made up some 50 per cent of the workforce. But for women to qualify for the full male rate they had to be carrying out the full range of male duties.
Shipbuilding and other industries, vital to the war effort, became classified as 'Essential Work' and workers engaged in essential work were covered by rules laying down minimum requirements for wages, conditions and welfare; and though they could not leave their jobs without Ministry of Labour permission, they could not be dismissed from them either.
With the onset of the Battle of Britain, fire watching became part of the working routine and the Union negotiated agreements on pay and conditions for this extra duty.
 Printer Friendly Page  Email to a Friend
|
