Interview with Betty Probert re. her work in OP Chocolate Factory - Merthyr, Hoover - Pentrebach, Merthyr

Betty left school at 16 (1946) and started in O P Chocolates (until 1954) with her twin sister. She was in the packing dept. Also helped in basement with the line, making chocolates or in the boiled sweets section. Heavy work. They also made wafer biscuits. You could eat as much as you wanted. They had broken biscuits in bags. Union supported her when she refused to do the heavy work. Records, talking and singing. Sending notes with chocolates ‘If married, pass us by, if single, please reply.’ Her sister met a man from Holland in this way! Dusting chocolates with feather duster. Factory moved to Dowlais. Lots of the girls moved to Hoover’s. Describes the different jobs she did there on washing machine. Training in London. All girls on assembly. She had an accident and compensation - £60 – before tribunal. Union – her friend was a shop steward. Monthly and Xmas bonuses. She had a washing machine, tumble drier and a cleaner (cheaper) when there. She can still have these today. Equal pay strike – women on big machines. Not aware of the Dagenham strike. Dancing in canteen and table tennis facilities. Sports Day – factories competing . Concerts – mentions singers. Smoking on factory floor. Holidays. Still meet up – cricket club. She left Hoover’s in 1989. Gold watch for 25th + £30; £100 for 35 years. Monthly pension and redundancy pay. ‘Home from ‘home’.