B - Irish Drapers’ Assistants Association Flier

B

Irish Drapers’ Assistants Association Flier

1 p.; Printed

A flier from the Irish Drapers’ Assistants Association (IDAA) dated March 1906. The IDAA was founded by Michael O’Lehane (1873-1920), a Cork-born trade unionist. Unlike the more traditional trade unions O’Lehane was prepared to recruit women members. Out of a total effective membership of 4,000 in 1914, 1,400 IDAA members were women. It is noted in the flier that 40% of drapery employees in Dublin were female. The main objective of the IDAA was a reduction in the working hours per week. Reference is also made in the leaflet to the unhealthy working conditions endured by drapery employees and the risk particularly from tuberculosis.

ISAD(G) 2nd edition