When we think of a Union back in the days, we tend to forget that it was not just a mans union, there was also the Ladies auxiliary. These ladies did more than just cooked and provide children programs, they were critical in some of the policies and practices that we use today. They were the ones that would make sure that family's had food and cloths during times of strikes, bring the communities together with social gatherings and protest for women’s rights, so much that the RCMP had placed surveillance on them for many years.
The six mandates listed in the Canadian Ladies' Auxiliary Constitution were to:
- aid in the aims and purposes of the MMSW in Canada.
- Participate in the democratic life of the union.
- Fundraise for political and social campaigns.
- Partake in various political actions.
- educate and train the women in the labour movement.
- teach them the correct channels in which to spend the union earned dollars.
- assist their local unions in times of need and labour disputes.
- support the Union in all its legislative efforts.
- provide educational and cultural activities for our children.
The Sudbury local was also big on cultural programs, they provided different dance classes, sports teams and acting with the Hayward Players as well as programs to educate others. In 1944 Sudbury’s Ladies Auxiliary 116 was formed, it became the largest group with close to 300 members. That’s when smaller branches were created in Creighton-Lively, Levack and Garson, later being recognized as Creighton-Lively and Levack Locals 316 and 317. The Sudbury local 116 was up and running until the 1990’s becoming the longest running Mine Mill Ladies' Auxiliary.
Please watch this video for more information.