‘The Only Way is Essex’: Gender, Union and Mobilisation among Fire Service Control Room Staff
记录两位女性消防工会代表领导工业行动，反对破坏工作生活平衡的轮班制度，揭示男性成员如何被动员支持以女性为主的控管人员，探讨性别与阶级利益在工会中的互动。
This contribution to On the Front Line records a dialogue between two female Fire Brigades Union (FBU) representatives in the Essex Emergency Control Room, who led industrial action over the imposition of a shift system that stretched their work–life balance to breaking point and constrained their ability to work full-time. Their testimony reveals how male members were mobilised in the interests of predominantly female control staff. Kate and Lynne’s discussion illuminates the interaction of gender and class interests and identities in the union and in the lives of its women members. It provides insight into the efficacy of trade unions for women’s collective action.