ABSTRACT

This study focuses on working-class women, catering and cleaning workers, and the way their interests were presented in trade unions. It argues that there is an institutional bias within trade unions which precludes the full representation of women's interests. Based on empirical research into two trade unions in the National Health Service, the book stresses the importance of how women's work is structured, in order to investigate the role of trade unions in challenging or reproducing inequalities.

chapter |10 pages

Introduction

part One|53 pages

The Context

chapter 1|11 pages

Women in Trade Unions

chapter 3|26 pages

Hospital Work and Trade Unions

part Two|64 pages

Women’s Ancillary Work

part Three|76 pages

Ancillary Workers’ Trade Unions

chapter 7|28 pages

Workplace Unionism

chapter 8|21 pages

Representation in Local Union Structures

chapter 9|18 pages

Participation in Local Union Structures

chapter 10|8 pages

Assessment