Catalogue

Interview
1014, LO/369/320
Leicester Oral History Archive Collection

Speaker: Geary, Joan Mary, 1920 - , Interviewee, Female, Hosiery worker
Speaker: McGrath, JM, Interviewer, Male

Summary of interview item: Describes starting in Bennet's hosiery factory in Hinckley, Leicestershire, age 14. Outlines pay, hours, progress to lock stitching. Explains how became trade union representative in 1974, mentions bonus scheme causing dispute. Gives account of woman who wouldn't join Hosiery Union in closed shop. Talks about aspects of trade union; importance, functions, workers' contributions, disputes. Anecdote of working during strike to meet order which got stolen. Explains non-politically affiliated situation of union at Bennet's. Talks about women's representation in union, pay discrimination before Equal Pay and Sex Descrimination Act, divisions among women, tensions caused by men returning to work from Second World War.
Place of birth: Hinckley, Leics.
Education: To age 14
Marital Status: Married, Children:
Father's Occupation:
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Hinckley
Periods Covered: 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s
Language: English

Recording Date: 27/4/1987
Playing time: 29 mins
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: yes
Cross Reference:

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Last updated: 08/05/02 East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer This document has been approved by the head of department or section.