A new biography of Manchester Irishwoman and trade union organiser, Mary Quaile, will be launched on Saturday 8th August in Manchester.

Bernadette Hyland and Michael Herbert’s new book: ‘To her the trade union movement was her life’ – Mary Quaile: Manchester Irishwoman and trade union organiser of women workers traces the story of Mary’s life and work.

The book begins with her arrival in England as a young child, where she became part of the large, vibrant Irish community in Manchester. Mary’s life, the authors argue, was like that of many working class girls in the north of England, except that instead of entering into a factory at the age of twelve, she was on the streets of the city selling newspapers. Mary later went from selling newspapers to domestic service and unusually went to Brest in France where she learnt to speak French– a skill which later came in handy when she attended international trade union meetings.

Returning to England, Mary began to work in a cafe but refused to accept the low pay and poor working conditions, and instead organised a trade union, prompting the waitresses to go on strike.

For Mary, this event changed her life. In 1911, she was later offered a full-time organiser job for the Manchester and Salford Women’s Trades Union  Council. Mary began her lifetime commitment to improving the wages and conditions of work for some of the most vulnerable girls and women workers.

From 1911 to 1919, Mary worked with local women, many of whom were Irish, encouraging them to educate themselves, form trade unions and take on negligent and often ruthless employers. The First World War challenged Mary’s pacifist views and led to her involvement with the local Non-Conscription Fellowship which protested against the war and supported men who were conscientious objectors.

In 1919 she joined the Dock, Wharf and Riverside Workers’ Union (better known as the Dockers’ Union) as an organiser for women. In this role, she travelled across the country to support women workers speaking at numerous events across the country. In 1922 the Dockers’ Union became part of the Transport and General Workers’ Union where Mary continued her organising work.                         

In 1925, after the invitation of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mary led a delegation of women to the Soviet Union and spent four months investigating the conditions of working girls and women in the USSR. Mary’s report is included in this book, as well as photographs from her visit.

Eight years later, due to ill-health, she withdrew from national politics and activity, but nevertheless continued her work for the Manchester Trades Council as Treasurer and Vice-President. In 1951, Mary was awarded the TUC Silver Medal for her contribution to the work of the Manchester Trades Council.

The book launch will take place on Saturday 8th August at 2pm in the Friends Meeting House, Mount Street, Manchester.

The event will be chaired by Rose Hunter of the North Staffordshire Miners’ Wives Action Group and speakers will include Bernadette Hyland, one of the authors of the book, as well as local women trade unionists.

The event is free, but booking is required. Please book your tickets by emailing: maryquaileclub@gmail.com

Find out more about the biography.