Public Employee Press

Local 1655 women meet the first female iron miners

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority says, “They help move the greatest city in the world.” On the job, the members of MTA Clerical-Administrative Employees Local 1655 provide information for patrons, organize medical check-ups and payrolls for MTA personnel and provide clerical support for the Signals Dept. Many start work at 6 a.m.

On Nov. 3, after a typical tough day on the job, 17 activists from the local’s Women’s Committee got together to see the movie “North Country.” Committee Chair Nona Twiggs organized the trip.

The film powerfully dramatized the true story of the first women who worked in Minnesota’s iron mines. In the 1970s, they endured gross forms of sexual harassment, including physical assault.

Eventually one miner, Josie Aimes in the film, Lois Jensen in real life, filed a class action lawsuit. After 25 years and three trials, her employer was held liable for maintaining a hostile work environment.

For Local 1655 member Debbie Henry, “Josie went to court to fight for the right of women to work in a male-dominated workplace without being harassed. The other women were afraid to come forward because of fear of losing their jobs. Josie felt alone, but had the courage to fight until she succeeded.” Denise Lee appreciated seeing the struggle of a single mother as subject matter for a Hollywood movie.

“The movie showed the challenges she faced and the strength it took to hold herself together for the sake of her child,” she explained.

Natividad Borja pointed out that the women earned much more money as miners than in traditional jobs. “This let Josie care for her family and pay off her mortgage,” she said.

“As I watched, I laughed and I cried,” said Yvonne Singh. “I enjoyed the movie very much, even though it was a painful story. It showed us that, when women stick together, we can make a change.”

— Jane LaTour