Eireann's story
Stall to Secretariat: Trade Union Women Who Raise Me
I was just a wee Eireann then.
Volunteering to staff the Women’s Committee’s stall.
Curious about being exposed to my first trade union women’s conference hall.
I listened.
Sat in front of a mighty stage
As trade union women debated and delivered speeches full of fire and rage.
I realised.
Straight out of care, exploited, and lost.
My trade union membership soon became more than a monthly cost.
I looked.
I could see trade union women rise.
In awe at herstory unfolding in front of my young activist eyes.
These women
These union women I could see.
Many of them have become to mean so much to me.
These women…
They’ve taken me to pickets.
They’ve taught me to dance the slosh.
They’ve given me tactics to take on any boss.
These women…
They’ve taken me to rallies.
They’ve taught me the trade union lingo.
They’ve even cured my hangovers after mad nights at Bonkers Bingo.
These women…
They’ve taken me under their wing.
They’ve shown me how to organise a workplace.
They’ve built structures so young woman like me can take up space.
These women…
They’ve taken me on adventures.
They’ve taught me how to be more demanding.
They’ve given me a taste of Vogue dressing me in the best trade union branding.
These women…
They’ve taken me to the football.
They’ve listened to my mad crazy dates.
They’ve tried to set me up with their own wean’s mates.
These women…
They’ve taken me into their homes.
They’ve taught me about their past.
They’ve shared stories and helped me laugh.
These women…
They’ve taken me for Christmases.
They’ve phoned to make sure I am okay.
They’ve been there to celebrate my birthday.
These women…
They’ve given me strength.
They’ve passed on their wisdom.
They’ve empowered me to keep on fighting the capitalist and patriarchal system.
My journey as a young woman has been quite tough.
But I am not ashamed of being a wee bit rough.
Overdoses. Care. Poverty. Assault.
A few things that have shaped my young life.
All of which I thought were my fault.
Homelessness. Debt. Anorexia too.
I am stabler and stronger now.
It’s trade union women who’ve helped me through.
These women…
They’ve worried like mothers.
They’ve protected like aunts.
They’ve scaffolded like family.
And I have so much to thank.
These women…
They are the women who raise me.
The woman I aspire to be.
They are called my trade union sisters.
Some I’ve met and connected through the STUC.
I’ve not had my family.
I’ve not had a mum.
It’s the trade union movement
Who’ve supported me into the professional young woman I’ve become.
I used to just be a wee Eireann then.
Outside the Conference helping with the stall
Now, aged twenty-five,
I’m the union equality officer supporting it all.
Written by Eireann McAuley, STUC