TRADES WOMEN BUILD NATION

Posted October 1, 2024

The NABTU 2024 Trades Women Build Nation Conference was held in New Orleans with over 5,000 Tradeswomen, industry professionals, and union leaders from across the United States and Canada in attendance. This years theme was “Let the good jobs roll” which captured the spirit of New Orleans and the importance of creating sustainable, well-paying jobs for women in the trades. Some of the key topics where inclusiveness for all, the ongoing skilled labor shortage, the upcoming presidential election and how women rights will be affected. During the conference we heard from a handful of notable speakers.

  • President Joe Biden spoke to us via video call speaking of his accomplishments for the unions and how it is important we get V.P. Kamala Harris elected to continue supporting worker rights.
  • Acting Secretary, US Department of Labor Julie Su spoke to us about the importance of strengthening the partnership between labor unions and industry leaders and to create pathways into quality construction careers.
  • President of the North American Building Trades Union Sean McGarvey spoke on the collaboration and the resilience of the workforce. Investing in our people and embrace innovative solutions, we can build a stronger more sustainable construction industry.
  • Dr. Christine Yu Moutier, Chief Medical Officer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention spoke on the awareness of mental health in construction trades and rates of suicide in the industry.
  • Vicky O’Leary, Chair NABTU Tradeswomen Committee emphasized how important it is to foster a sisterhood, being all inclusive, recruitment strategies, and networking with others to see what works.

At the Caucus by Trades we heard from IUPAT GP Jimmy Williams and his message was even though we are making progress, there is more we need to do in recruitment and retention of women. Also, we heard from a handful of speakers from the IUPAT women committee and LGBTQ committee. Jimmy also recognized members from the committees for special achievements. The Breakout sessions were on Changing Policies and Laws to support women. 

One of the panelist was IUPAT Liz McElroy, spoke to representatives from our unions who are promoting good policies to support tradeswomen. Another breakout session was Fostering respect on the job. They introduced the new RESPECT program which will address the industries issues such as harassment, bullying, verbal abuse, jobsite facility cleanliness, and issues around working mothers. 

This conference brings value to our locals because we are able to understand how females are treated on the job. We can relay a message to our brother members that we must start to mentor our sisters and not alienate them. I believe this conference should be attended by some of male members too, so they can start spreading what they heard to other brothers in the field. The parade is a highlight for our sisters and myself as it shows unity and solidarity.

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