- The Women’s Trade Union League (1903-1947) was founded to promote collective bargaining and education (including how to organize) for women wage-earners, who were widely excluded from the men’s unions and paid half or less of their wages. The League worked and demonstrated for better hours, pay, safety, and general conditions, and against child labor, speed-up, and other widespread evils. A unique combination of wealthy women, social and govt. workers, and rank-and-file, it drew on the knowledge, experience, and financial resources of all classes. Many workers had never heard of unions (though their male relatives might belong), knew nothing of laws, and often spoke no English. The WTUL existed to serve them, under such leaders/members as Frances Perkins, Rose Schneiderman, Jane Addams, and Eleanor Roosevelt.
|