The Guild of Nurses,Nurses Union Badge

The Guild of Nurses was set up in 1937 as part of the National Union of County Officers(NUCO).In direct competition to the more "establishment" Royal College of Nursing it fought to improve working pay and conditions for Nurses,particularly those employed by the LCC.In 1938 a group of members,wearing masks to protect them from the Victimisation of their employers,marched through London,gaining much publicity.It became part of the Confederation of Health Service Employees in 1946.
The badge itself shows the figure of Judicia from the badge of the earlier Poor Law Workers Union with the the motto Unitate Fortior-Stronger by union.
There is some moderate wear to the silver plate of the badge but otherwise very good condition.A rare badge from the early days of Trade Unionism in Nursing.

Code: 53600