Let’s face it: coal mining has to be the blokeiest industry in Australia, but last Friday's action from local women just goes to prove the true impact of what Xstrata is trying to do.
Tahmoor Colliery workers returned to work last Friday morning, but their picket camps weren't deserted.
Support team: Women and kids 'man' the picket line
The wives and partners of the Tahmoor miners knew the picket lines were going to be unmanned - but they decided they weren't going to let them be ‘un-womanned’!
Belinda Ashlin's husband, Daryl, is a miner and she was there on Friday to show her support.
“I know the community often think of this dispute as ‘men’s business’,” she said.
“But alongside every man working that mine there are women. When we talk about safety and shift lengths and fair conditions – these issues affect women just as much as the men.
“When compulsory 12-hour shifts are allocated or when safety standards are compromised, families are the ones that suffer.”
Belinda even spoke to ABC Radio about the women-only picket line!
It's great to see the forgotten victims of the dispute making their presence felt publicly.
Because stripping away safety and conditions doesn’t just hurt a couple of hundred men, it hurts wives and kids and the entire Tahmoor community.
That's why we need to keep fighting.
Support team: Women and kids 'man' the picket line
Winners are grinners: Some little supporters and their furry friend
