Informal networks and female trade union participation of women from non-English speaking backgrounds and Australian-born women

This paper examines three interconnected aspects of union transaction identified by a group of NESB and Australian-born women as having an important impact on their experiences of union involvement. These are; the impact of images and stereotypes on participation, the function of informal networks and subcultures, and the interface between these and the union, especially as mediated by union organisers. Issues about how to define participation are raised and consideration given to the role of informal networks in facilitating union involvement.