Linda McLaren and Barb Stewart had an exhibit table at the UNE National Women’s Conference on October 18 and 19 at the Hilton Lac Leamy Hotel. There were about 140 people in attendance.
In addition to our usual items of 50/50 draws, photos, maple syrup and books, we decided to remind the attendees about a strike of their members in 2001 at the National Art Gallery in Ottawa. It was the first time the gallery employees went on strike and was unique with its graphic designs on posters and red shoes lined up on the outside ramp. It became known as the Red Shoe Strike. Since many of the women attending the conference did not know much, if anything, about the strike, it was good for them to see what UNE members had done. The Local donated everything from the strike to the Workers’ History Museum.
Here is our write-up and some photos of the poster from the strike.
Picket Sign – T-shirts
Picket Sign – “Tell no lies”
Picket Sign – “Pity” by Katherine Bemben
Picket Sign – “Après Montréal, Ottawa” by Paul Roux