ETU Women celebrate

In Style

It was a truly fabulous night when the ETU gathered to celebrate 100 years since the first woman – Mona Coe – joined our union.

The glittering occasion heard proud ETU women – from the union’s female pioneers to today’s apprentices – speak out about their experiences at work.

‘We’ve come a long way, but much more needs to be done’ was the message.

The evening raised funds for The Haven – Nepean Women’s Shelter and was kindly supported by sponsors Protect, Chifley and Hall Paine Lawyers. Thanks also for the contribution from employers Sydney Trains, Ausgrid and Transgrid and the attendance of MPs Marjorie O’Neill and Deborah O’Neill.

Mona Coe, and 23 of her female workmates, joined the ETU NSW Branch in 1923, after the Branch Executive changed the rules to allow female membership. The ETU later pursued a case arguing that Mona had been underpaid because she performed electrical work, winding motors, but was not paid as an electrician.

GREAT WORK FROM THE ETU WOMEN’S COMMITTEE!