Mary Turner (trade unionist)

Mary Turner (1896 - 1983) was a British trade unionist and political activist, primarily known for her pioneering work in organizing agricultural workers.

Born in Soham, Cambridgeshire, into a farming family, Turner experienced the hardships faced by agricultural labourers from a young age. This shaped her commitment to improving their working conditions and pay. She began working on the land herself as a young girl.

Turner joined the National Union of Agricultural Workers (NUAW), later the National Union of Agricultural and Allied Workers (NUAAW), and quickly became a prominent organizer. She was instrumental in recruiting women to the union, recognizing their crucial role in agriculture and the need for their representation. She served as the union's first female full-time organizer in 1923, a significant milestone for women in the trade union movement.

Turner campaigned tirelessly for better wages, shorter working hours, and improved living conditions for agricultural workers. She faced considerable opposition from landowners and employers but persevered through her strong convictions and unwavering dedication. Her efforts significantly contributed to the gains made by agricultural workers in the interwar period and beyond.

Turner held various positions within the NUAAW throughout her career, including serving on the union's executive committee. She remained active in the union until her retirement. Her contributions were widely recognized within the labour movement.

Her legacy lies in her pioneering role in bringing women into the agricultural union movement and her impactful work advocating for the rights and welfare of agricultural workers in Britain. She is remembered as a powerful voice for the voiceless and a champion for social justice in rural communities.