Women of Steel highlight importance of steel industry

13.01.10

Parliament’s honouring of the Women of Steel – women who worked in Britain’s steel factories during WWII – highlights the enduring importance of Britain’ Steel Industry. The contribution of the Women of Steel and the productivity of Britain’s steel foundries and factories in producing the tanks, guns and planes were vital in the struggle to defeat Nazi Germany. Steel Union, Community has added its praise for the sacrifice these women made for their country.

Community Union General Secretary Michael J. Leahy OBE said:

‘The Women of Steel were invaluable in keeping the steel mills producing the material needed to defeat Nazi Germany. WWII was won as much through the everyday determination shown on the home front as by the courage displayed by our soldiers.

While this tribute is long overdue, it is unfortunate that it comes at a time that Britain’s Steel industry facing its greatest threat since WWII. The loss of jobs in steel towns is devastating families and whole communities. Now is the time for Government to ensure that the steel industry has a future as well as a past.’