Chapter 44: Women as Leaders in the Union Movement

Silke Roth

Women as leaders in the union movement Women's role as leaders in the union movement is closely related to women's involvement as union members as well as their participation in paid labor. Since colonial times, women have participated in the American labor movement as activists fighting for better working conditions for themselves as well as supporting fathers, husbands, and other male workers. However, the relationship between women and the labor movement must be described as ambivalent. Although unionization has always been beneficial for women as well as all people of color, unions at times excluded these groups. However, whenever labor supply was scarce—during wars or times of economic growth—not only the labor market but also unions opened up new possibilities for women as well as for all people of color. Women's union leadership thus reflects the changing status of women in society. The transformation of the labor movement and different ...

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