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| In 1988 Adelaide women in industry formed the Women of Metal (WoM). It was a name they chose in honour of unionists active in metal manufacturing in the 1970s and to affirm the mettle, the courageous spirit, needed by women who work in our male-dominated occupations. Union amalgamations this year have led to women members in print, food and vehicle manufacturing joining the original group within the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU). |  |
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Each year on International Women's Day the WoM join together to look at the achievements of the women's movement and to develop strategies to confront the challenges still ahead. In 1993, the group designed and constructed a banner which was first carried aloft at IWD that year - and each year since. At each IWD fair WoM run a sausage sizzle to ensure there's a cheap lunch for all the children, as well as raising a small amount of money for our activities. Whatever the activity, we try to ensure it's inclusive, and fun as well as productive. AMWU members are also involved in an annual Women's Seminar, a monthly Women's Committee, and a quarterly newsletter and wider network of women. Currently there is a focus on the involvement of women in country regions. Women of Metal are also concerned about the plight of women internationally, involving ourselves in the struggles of comrades in South Africa, East Timor and most recently in Indonesia. Other issues we address include the portrayal of women in the media, women's health issues, abortion, access to quality affordable child care and support for the struggle of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In our industries we are endeavouring to ensure equity of access to jobs, training and promotional opportunities, and support structures to break down the barriers to full participation by women. The slow pace of change on the domestic front, where women still have primary responsibility for unpaid and largely unrecognised work, is significant when looking at women's ability to actively participate in paid work and union matters. Australia has the most gender segregated work force of the OECD countries and a large gender pay gap. Under Coalition government policies designed to drag us back generations, the position will worsen. In 1997, for example, we are confronted by changes which immediately further undermines the capacity of parents to access quality, affordable child care with the flexibility to meet our needs. Women of Metal will be working with women in other unions as well as community organisations to create public awareness of the government's savage attacks on those most vulnerable in our society and to organise effective opposition to such policies. Now is the time for women everywhere to raise our voices, to get active, to organise, to support one another, to recognise and celebrate our achievements and to continue to forge our heritage. The celebration of International Women's Day provides us with a very special opportunity to do just that. For more information, phone Max on 0418 835 096. |
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