Employer/Union Partners

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Employers and unions are essential partners in building equity for women in construction and manufacturing careers and expanding the labor pool to meet the future workforce needs of these industries. As experienced workers retire and the pool of traditional candidates shrinks, employers that are successful in building a skilled and diverse workforce will be able to attract and retain the best talent and improve their competitiveness in the marketplace. Unions that represent workers in these sectors are essential to ensuring equity and inclusion in the workplace.

Women’s participation in skilled jobs in these industries has remained at less than 3% for decades and research shows that lack of equitable access to employment and advancement opportunities remains the critical issue impacting women’s retention in the trades. In fact, a recent survey conducted in partnership with the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters, revealed that only 51% of respondents had worked nine months or more in the previous year and that many considered leaving their careers as a result.

We can support both employers and unions with the tools to ensure women have equal employment, training, and advancement opportunities. this can mean ensuring women are integrated into the core construction work crews that move from project to project and equitable treatment in the union.  This site can help by providing the guidance and tools you need to effectively recruit and develop talented tradeswomen.  For additional support, please contact us a lsugerman@cwit.org.