When brainstorming for a topic this week, I turned to my family for help. My dad, being an electrician for the Local Union No. 3 IBEW (Local 3) out of New York City, gave me the idea to write about women in the trades. Taking to the internet, I started to dig into the history and current nature of women working in trade professions, such as construction, electricity, and mechanics. I also had the opportunity to speak to two inspiring women of the Local 3. Women have played large roles in the safety of the labor force, and today they are continuing to advance the professions.
To begin, women have held an intricate part in advancing the labor movement. As explained by history.com, “The labor movement in the United States grew out of the need to protect the common interest of workers. For those in the industrial sector, organized labor unions fought for better wages, reasonable hours and safer working conditions.” Some key women in history include Rose Schneiderman who was a powerful person in the trades union movement for over 50 years, Sue Ko Lee who led the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union, and the Women of the 1910 Chicago Garment Workers’ Strike, which is one of the biggest strikes in Chicago history. Without their perseverance, bravery, and strength, trade professions would not be what they are today.
It’s important to remember that trade work holds just as much opportunity, potential, and stability for women as they do for men. Gender stereotypes can be a major obstacle for women looking to get into the trades. Kristen Wilsen, president of Jack Cewe Construction Ltd. states, “At every level in the industry, we need to counter the belief that work in the trades is for men only […] The fact is, women can do this work and you don’t need to be male to have a successful career in construction.”
Statistically speaking, women make up 10% of skilled trade jobs in the country, which includes occupations such as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, bus operators, farm managers, heavy equipment operators, welders, and more. In order to increase this percentage, I believe we must start by encouraging girls to find their passion and pursue it, regardless of gender stereotypes. Organizations such as Girls Garage, Girls Build, and Tools and Tiaras are making leaps and bounds for young girls across the country, which includes motivating them to try new things and find what they love to do.
I had the pleasure of speaking to two women of the Local 3, Tanya Ferguson and Theresa Murray. Ferguson is a Shop Steward and Executive Board Member. Since she was young, Fergesun has wanted to be an electrician and follow in her dad’s footsteps. At work, Ferguson reinforces safety and informs all employees of what’s going on within the Union. She has an amazing support system consisting of her coworkers at Local 3. Ferguson’s favorite part of being an electrician is being able to start a job and see the finished product at the end, gender equality, wages, and Economic security.
Murray currently serves as an A Division Journey Wire Woman, where her daily tasks include installing cable supports and overseeing the running of cables for a school located in the Bronx. Murray knew she wanted to become an electrician at the age of 10 when she was watching the movie FlashDance — a scene encompassing a female welder impacted her tremendously, and she knew she wanted to pursue a similar field. Entering the Union at age 19, she has faced internal hardships being a woman in a male-dominated field, such as always feeling the need to prove herself. Murray’s favorite parts of her job include the satisfaction of seeing what she has built with her own hand and the amazing connections she has made with coworkers.
Being a woman in a male-dominated field and school, hearing these women speak about their experiences truly inspired and motivated me. It was such a cool experience to connect with them. I also want to add that my Grandfather who passed away loved working for Local 3, and I know he would be proud of me for writing this piece.
Through my research, I have found that women are a vital part of labor professions due to their hard work, dedication, and passion. In addition, It’s important to encourage young girls to explore the trades and find what they truly love to do. With proper encouragement and support, women can continue to reinvent the trade professions, just as women have before us.
