The Future is Female

Brothers and Sisters,

I hope this article finds you working steady and looking forward to Spring. Last week I attended the IUPAT Western Regional Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. District Council 16 along with DC5, DC10, DC36, DC50, and DC81 were in attendance. During the conference General President Jimmy Williams Jr. presented to the delegates the IUPAT “One Union, One Family, One Fight” Mission and Values statement.

IUPAT Mission and Values Statement

Mission

To better the lives of each member by being the strongest, most powerful voice in the industries we represent.

One Union

Our strength is forged through unity by every member within our union working together, regardless of our individual trades, throughout North America. We stand united as one, transcending individual differences and creating collective power.

One Family

We stand together as one. We support, care for, and respect each other in our union halls, on and off the job sites, each and every day. We leave no member behind.

One Fight

We fight together for stronger contracts – that means safer job sites, industry leading pay, and democracy at work. When we win stronger collective bargaining agreements for IUPAT members, we win higher standards of living for every worker in our crafts.

Member Spotlight – Trenika Standidge

Trenika is a first-year apprentice and is the only female member in Local 1237 currently. I recently interviewed her for National Women in Construction Week.

Q- What inspired you to pursue a career in the trades?

1. Having worked hard all her life, she wanted to have a career that is rewarding, is recognized by others and will help her family with a living wage.

Q – What’s been your favorite project to work on so far, and why?

1. Trenika’s favorite project so far has been Aggie Square in Sacramento. She learned a lot about the flooring trade, how to coexist with other trades and how important a work schedule and deadline is. She had the opportunity to work with carpet, vinyl sheet goods, and wall base. 

Q – What skills do you think are most crucial for success in your trade? Or What skills have you acquired being in your trade?

1. Showing up on time, being teachable, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. At her last job Trenika was a manager and now she is learning to be managed by others. She finds it easy because the flooring trade is new to her, and she loves it.

Q – What advice would you give to young women considering a career in construction?

1. “Jump in and go for it, there is nothing as a woman in the trades that you can’t do or achieve. If you think you can do it, you can do it. Don’t be afraid of what others may think of you, don’t be afraid to fail and if you want it, go get it.”

Q – What do you enjoy most about your trade and being in the Union?

1. Trenika sees flooring as an art form, with all the steps that go into laying flooring is an art. You start with a blank canvas and when you are finished it’s a fine piece of art.