This is a podcast about rebel women of the trade union movement. It’s inspired by the recent discovery of a set of minutes books that tell the story of Manchester and Salford Women’s Trades Union Council from 1895 to 1919.

It will introduce you to some trailblazing, risk-taking women who fought hard to improve pay and conditions for poor female workers in the early 1900s and contrast their triumphs and challenges with those of young female trade unionists today.

You’ll hear about the Women’s TUC organising secretaries Eva Gore Booth and Mary Quaile, and a contentious resolution put to the Council by Christabel Pankhurst.

Produced and presented by Abigail Ward.

Featuring: Bernadette Hyland (Mary Quaile Club), Sarah Woolley (BFAWU), Claire Trevor (Unite), Alison Surtees (Bectu), Mary Sayer (Unite) and Michael Herbert (Mary Quaile Club).

Music: Jennifer Reid, Wildbirds & Peacedrums, Electrelane

Special thanks to: Working Class Movement Library, Manchester Histories and Greater Manchester Combined Authority.