Listen to this podcast featuring rare recordings of three feisty union women who worked as conductors, motormen and transit drivers in Vancouver beginning in 1943.

When many men were in Europe during World War II fighting fascism, 200 women worked as streetcar conductors in Vancouver, later becoming motormen and drivers.

Unlike other women who worked during the war in shipbuilding and aircraft assembly, these women were able to keep their jobs after the war, thanks to their union.

The union insisted the women had the same rights, privileges, and wages as the men. It played an important role in supporting the women, including helping one get her job back after she was fired for becoming pregnant.