The Trade Union Woman (eBook)

Alice Henry (1857–1943) was an influential Australian-born American journalist, suffragist, and labor reformer whose work left a significant imprint on the American labor movement. She is best known for her seminal book, 'The Trade Union Woman' (1915), which is a comprehensive account of women's labor organizations and their struggles for better working conditions and suffrage. Henry's writing is characterized by a profound commitment to social justice and feminism, interweaving factual analysis with passionate advocacy for women's rights within the labor movement. She brought a unique perspective to the discourse on labor by emphasizing the intersectionality of gender and class in her literary undertakings. After migrating to the United States in 1906, Henry became a leading figure in the Women's Trade Union League, where she combined her journalistic prowess with activism, contributing to the education and mobilization of union women. Her contributions to labor rights and feminist literature reflect an enduring legacy that continues to inspire scholars and activists. With 'The Trade Union Woman,' Henry not only chronicled the evolution of women's labor but also provided a framework for understanding the critical role of women in the trade union movement, marking her as a pivotal figure in early 20th-century labor reform.