Executive Council
Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
March 07, 2017
Supporting Women in Skilled Trades
Minister Recognizes Work of Union Collaboration Working Committee to Increase Participation of Women in Skilled Trades
On the eve of International Women’s Day, the Honourable Cathy Bennett, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, is congratulating the Union Collaboration Working Committee in their work to address issues affecting women’s equality in the workplace, particularly in trades and technology occupations. The Union Collaboration Working Committee was formed in 2016 as a result of feedback of roundtable discussions hosted by the Women’s Policy Office on the issues affecting women‘s participation in the skilled trades.
“Tomorrow is International Women’s Day, with this year’s national theme being Equality Matters. This is a day to recognize women’s achievements and acknowledge the challenges they continue to face in trying to achieve gender equality. The Union Collaboration Working Committee is doing just this – working together to find solutions to barriers faced by women working in the skilled trades sector. I would like to congratulate all members of the committee, particularly the representatives from the building trade unions. The unique point of view and perspective a female brings to the table is essential to help us build a balanced and equitable society and by working together we can help achieve a greater gender balance – particularly in the skilled trades.”
- The Honourable Cathy Bennett, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women
The committee was formed as a means to engage trade unions on diversity issues and to find solutions to issues affecting women’s participation in the skilled trades. Members of the committee include the Women’s Policy Office, the Office to Advance Women Apprentices, a diversity consultant, Women in Resource Development, Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers – Local1, Operating Engineers – Local 904 and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers – Local 1620.
“Women can and will play a more active role in meeting the demand for skilled trades. Initiatives through the Union Collaboration Working Committee and the Office to Advance Women Apprentices continue to have a positive impact. Removal of barriers to equal participation of women in the workforce is key to the future sustainability and growth of the province's economy and ensuring that all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have access to meaningful career and employment opportunities.”
- The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
Members of the Union Collaboration Working Committee have had meaningful discussion on a number of topics including ways to improve supports and retention for women during early apprenticeship years and ways to improve mentorship opportunities for women.
“The Office to Advance Women Apprentices was created in 2009 with a mandate of increasing employment opportunities for females in the skilled trades. We have established partnerships with employers, unions, government and training institutions with strong support in accomplishing these goals. Our work on the Union Collaboration Working Committee is an example of this. The Office to Advance Women Apprentices also applauds the support of Carpenters Local 579 for taking on the initiative of management of our office and the constant support and guidance they have provided in ensuring that women are included and engaged in the skilled trades workforce.”
- Karen Walsh, Executive Director, Office to Advance Women Apprentices
For more information about some of the work being done to advance women in skilled trades, visit www.womenapprentices.ca/.
QUICK FACTS
- The Union Collaboration Working Committee was formed in 2016 as a result of feedback of roundtable discussions hosted by the Women’s Policy Office discussing the issues affecting women‘s participation in the skilled trades.
- March 8 is International Women’s Day, with this year’s national theme being Equality Matters. This is a day to recognize women’s achievements and acknowledge the challenges they continue to face in trying to achieve gender equality.
- Members of the Union Collaboration Working Committee are working together to find solutions to barriers faced by women working in the skilled trades sector.
- For more information about some of the work being done to advance women in skilled trades, visit www.womenapprentices.ca/.
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Media contacts:
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Lisa Lawlor Media Relations Manager Women’s Policy Office 709-729-4839, 730-1568 lisalawlor@gov.nl.ca |
Ryan Crocker Media Relations Manager Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour 709-729-1795, 725-9595 RyanCrocker@gov.nl.ca |
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Karen Walsh Executive Director Office to Advance Women Apprentices 709-757-7434 kwalsh@womenapprentices.ca |
2017 03 07 2:40 p.m.