Purcell’s years of trade union activism spanned the depression, the term of the first Labour government, the introduction of compulsory unionism and the 40-hour week, and the ongoing campaign for equal pay for women workers. Her influence extended beyond her own unions, through the Auckland Trade Union Secretaries’ Association and, nationally, through the New Zealand Federated Shop Assistants’ Association.
New Zealand communist activist
On her retirement in 1951, after 35 years’ service, Stuart fought successfully to obtain the same retiring allowance – six months’ full pay – that men received, rather than the half-pay allowance usually given to women. The determination she displayed set an example for other women to follow; after a long campaign, equal pay was implemented by the Post Office in the early 1960s.
New Zealand labor and women’s rights activist
Irish trade unionist, social activist and administrator
American philanthropist and social worker
Irish trade unionist, feminist, and republican
Irish republican, trade unionist, and writer
Irish trade unionist and feminist
Margaret Scott Hawthorne was one of those who spearheaded the campaign to improve conditions for women workers in New Zealand. She is also notable for being one of the first women to achieve a position of status in the public service.