WORK FOR WOMEN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23574, 7 February 1940, Page 11

WORK FOR WOMEN

FACTORIES IN BRITAIN DEMANDS OF THE WAR TRADE UNION ATTITUDE LONDON, Jan. 29 The call for 1,000,000 women to work in war industry is one point in the speech of the First Lord of the Admiralty, Mr. Winston Churchill, at Manchester qn Saturday that threatens to raise a controversy. Those welcoming the statement argue that before the end of the year 3,000,000 additional workerspore than twice the number at present unemployed—must take their places in workshops, factories, and yards throughout Britain. They also state that numerous new factories are being built in areas where they cannot he fully staffed unless women are prepared to leave their housework to tend the machines. Appeal Expected Soon Against this is the argument of the trade unionists, who maintain that there is no justification for bringing young and inexperienced girls into factories while there are more than 1,000,000 men unemployed. It is expected that Mr. Churchill's declaration will be raised by the representatives of the Trade Union Congress on the Joint Advisory Council. The question whether Mr. Churchill's statement represents the War Cabinet's considered policy is also likely to be raised in the House of Commons by members of the Opposition. It is estimated in some quarters that at least 500,000 women will be drafted into factories making aeroplanes and ammunition, which is double the number of women employed on similar tasks in 1918.' It is expected that a widespread appeal to women will soon be made. Measures in Germany An official of the Women's Engineering Society stated: "There are more than 100,000 skilled women operatives in engineering shops, and many more are being trained. Thousands must now be trained <as supervisors and forewomen. The Government can safely rely on the women." Those supporting Mr. Churchill's appeal will be able to point 1;o the thoroughness with which the enemy is organising women-power. The Nazis have issued calling-up notices to men and women throughout Berlin who are regarded as "non-essential workers." It is estimated that this will affect about 50,000 women.

Mr. Churchill, in his speech, said: "Millions of new workers are needed and more than 1,000,000 women also must enter war industry. The trade unionists need not fear that there will be no restoration of craft usages, but without la.bour expansion and the entry of women into the struggle, we would fail utterly to bear our fair share of the burden which Britain and France have jointly assumed, and which we must carry to the end, or perish miserably in slavery and ruin."