Workers: Mary Macarthur

Womanica

Mary Macarthur (1880-1921) was a trade unionist who fought for women workers. She founded the National Federation of Women’s Workers, helped pass the 1909 Trade Boards Act, which guaranteed a minimum wage for women workers, and led multiple strikes against employers who refused to pay their workers fairly.

For Further Reading:

• Mary Macarthur 1880-1921 The Working Woman's Champion
• The life of Mary Macarthur. A TUC Library Exhibition | London Metropolitan University
• Mary Macarthur : a biographical sketch

This month we’re talking about workers: Women who fought for labor rights and shaped the way we do business today. They advocated and innovated to make the “office” – wherever it is – a more equitable place.

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