WOMEN WORKERS

Grey River Argus, 18 April 1940, Page 2

WOMEN WORKERS

Scope in Shoe Trade, CHANGES IN BRITAIN. LONDON, March 17. Women workers in the shoe trade are to be allowed to do jobs formerly exclusive to men. This has been agreed by the National Federation of Boot Manufacturers and the National Union of Boot and Shoe Operatives. Women transferred to men’s departments will be paid a graduated scale rate for the first month and will then receive the same piecework rates as men. The agreemen also provides that all unskilled workers entering the industry are to be registered. Men brought in will be paid 20 per cent, below the minimum rate for six weeks, 10 per cent, below for the next six weeks, and then the full minimum rate. Women entering the industry will be paid 15 per cent, below the minimum for the first six weeks, 10 per cent, below for the next six weeks, and then the full minimum. Footwear manufacturers are, with few exceptions, busy meeting heavy demands for service and civilian boots and shoes. The calling up of young men for military service has' already led to the training of elderly and inexperienced men to take heir places in the industry.