FRANCE’S WOMEN WORKERS

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 13024, 1 May 1940, Page 3

FRANCE’S WOMEN WORKERS

With 'dutiful resignation arising from bitter memories of previous wars fought on their soil Frenchwomen have fallen into an irregular battle-line, writes an Australian correspondent from Paris. They wear no uniforms nor are they formally enrolled. They are keeping the wheels turning, while millions of men are underarms. All their talents and shrewdness, frugality and determination have automatically swung into the national effort. The call-up left few men landworkers, so women are tilling and sowing as close to the battle zone as is permitted. In the towns they are taking over small businesses with which France abounds. They are working prodigious hours in offices and. Government departments. Others are learning trades. All are hoping to keep cherished families together, striving to hold symbols of normality In a crazy world. Nevertheless they do not concede dowdiness as among the sacrifices necessary to pulverise German pawer. French women do not take to industrial life as readily as British, but 60 0,000 are engaged in national defence industries compared with 1,500,000 men. Women’s 60-Hom* Week The Government is empowered to conscript women for industrial woitk, but there are at present sufficient volunteers. Most iemployers are not enthusiastic regarding women workers, but the Government is empowered to order the employment of a certain percentage of females. A woman armament maker has a six-day working week, of 60 hours, and receives £ 5 sterling a month. By British standards it is hard work and low pay.