FEMALE LABOUR.

Shannon News, 6 May 1927, Page 3

FEMALE LABOUR.

IN THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

OWNERS’ PROPOSALS

Sanction for the employment of female labour was yesterday sought by the employers ’ representatives at the conciliation proceedings in connection with the demands of the flax workers for a new award.

It was suggested that women could as readily and efficiently perform some of the work in and around the mills as men. and fibre-classing was cited as an occupation that they could pick up eas'ly. The Labour Department; it was stared, saw no objection to the proposal provided that the women were suit ', ably catered for. . The assessors representing the workers took objection to the employment of women on principle. The occupation, they stated, was entirely unsuitable for women, and in any case the millj-owners would be obliged to see that they wen given, separate and suitable accommodation. '

Mr W. Bromley, the employees’ agent, stated, that he could not recom. mend the union to agree to the employment of women. He would' 4 not; allow a daughter of his to be engaged at mill work. ' - / ■

If the employees would agree to. the principle, said Mr B. L. Hammond, agent for the employers, the/mill-own ers would be prepared to specify fibreelasSing alonelfor women...