Helen Lothan Robertson (1848–1937)
from Australian Worker
A veritable veteran passed away on June 24 when Mrs. Helen Robertson died at Collingwood at the age of 89 years. A native of Scotland she arrived in Australia in 1853. Mrs. Robertson was a foundation member of the Tailoresses' Union, which was formed in 1880. The Union was launched under huge difficulties and in opposition to some so-called 'Christian' employers. The Union was soon confronted with struggles. In 1883 there was a strike of the women workers. They succeeded in obtaining an increase in their wages from 27/6 to 30/- a week.
Mrs. Robertson was subsequently identified with the Clothing Trades Union. Her other activities were many and varied. She was formerly a delegate on the Trades Hall Council, and was for a long time a member of the executive of the Eight-Hour Committee.
Original publication
Other Obituaries for Helen Lothan Robertson
- Age (Melbourne), 24 June 1937, p 12
Related Entries in NCB Sites
Citation details
'Robertson, Helen Lothan (1848–1937)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/robertson-helen-lothan-13172/text35536, accessed 9 May 2025.
Life Summary [details]
Alternative Names
- Biggs, Helen
Birth
1848
Glasgow,
Lanarkshire,
Scotland
Death
22 June,
1937
(aged ~ 89)
Collingwood, Melbourne,
Victoria,
Australia
Cultural Heritage
Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.
Religious Influence
Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.