Part 1 The context: women in trade unions - the debates and literature; divisions in the labour market and trade unionism; working in the health service - hospital work/hospital unions. Part 2 Women's ancillary work: catering and cleaning; gender and the construction of work; race and the construction of work. Part 3 Ancillary workers: trade unions; workplace stewards; union meetings; representation in local union structures; participation in local union structures; conclusions - continuity and change.