As the case of Jean Jepson (see page 12) shows, the three-day week has hit women workers more severely than other sections of the working class. Not only are they among the most poorly organised, but short-time working aggravates the special problems which they face as both women and workers, If husband and wife are both working a 12-hour day, for example, who is going to look after the kids?
The Tories have tried to shift the responsibility for the three-day week on to the NUM, and the problems which women face make them especially vulnerable to. this attempt to split the rest of the working class from the miners. It is essential that the isolated struggles which have broken out among women over the three. day week are given the maximum co-ordination as part of a united thrust against the Tories, This is one of the important tasks of the conference on "Women Against the Tories'. initiated by the IMG in London. So far workshops have been planned on geberal problems such as equal pay and trade union democracy, as well as on specific issues like the role of women in the miners strike, the struggle against British Imperialism in Ireland, the three-day week, and the Shrewsbury antipicketing trials.
The conterence will take place on Sunday, IF February, at Imperial College Students' Union, Prince Consort Road, London SW?. A creche will be provided. The registration fee is 25p at the door, and any furtber details required can be obtained from the IMG, (Womens' Conferencel), 97 Caledonian Road, London NE