#WorkBootsNotNecessary
WRVM Collection, 1970.0033.016, Gift of George & Jean Trott
Women’s Boots, c. 1912
As soon as World War I was over, women were laid off from their new jobs in order to make jobs available for returning men. Since most women were not represented by unions, it was easy for them to be immediately fired without repercussion. Railroads justified their lay-offs by citing protective laws that prevented women from working more than eight-hour days.