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The Council of Action for Equal Pay (CAEP) functioned as a single issue pressure group with affiliates from trade unions and women's organisations. Its primary aim was to agitate for the implementation of equal pay through the dissemination of information and to support individual organisations in their fight for equal pay. Its formation marked the first conscious movement for equal pay in Australia. Muriel Heagney, a strong advocate of 'the rate for the job' was influential in its establishment and was the driving force of the organisation as its honorary secretary-treasurer from 1939 until its demise.

See Australian Women's Archive Project

Resources

Pamphlets

• The case for equal pay, c-1940. Image PDF Details
• Council of Action for Equal Pay, Are women paid men's rates, Sydney, 1942. Image PDF Details
• Trades Hall Council Melbourne, Statement preapred by the Committee appointed to propagate the principle of Equal Pay for the Sexes, and Endorsed by the above Council, Council of Action for Equal Pay, Sydney, 19 January 1943. Image PDF Details