The National Taskforce on Tradeswomen’s Issues works collaboratively with our tradeswomen members, and allies across the country to advance policies focused on increasing women’s equal access to union construction jobs, opportunity in apprenticeship, training, employment, and leadership, and equity on the job. In coordination with industry partners, we work to increase access, equity, and opportunity for women and girls.
Why It Matters
Public policy impacts tradeswomen and the work they do each day – from the local level, to state and federal rules, regulations, and laws. The National Taskforce on Tradeswomen Issues works with industry partners including employers, associations, unions, and government to ensure that opportunity, access, and equity remain at the forefront across issues that affect life, work, and career.
Why It’s Important
Women represent almost 70% of all low-wage workers, yet represent only 4% of workers in high-wage, non-traditional occupations such as construction. This occupational segregation directly impacts women’s ability to achieve economic security for themselves and their families. Over the course of her lifetime, a woman working as an electrician will make over $1 million more than her counterpart working in a traditionally female-dominated industry, such as childcare or service.
How We Do It
Through our Policy Committee, we support tradeswomen fighting to improve and enforce local, state, and federal laws on employment discrimination, equal opportunity, workforce development, apprenticeship and training programs, and safe and respectful worksites. The Policy Committee supports theTaskforce’s three main strategies: organizing, education, and technical assistance.
National Tradeswomen Taskforce Transition Memo 2021
National Tradeswomen Taskforce Policy Platform 2020-2021
National Tradeswomen Taskforce Infrastructure Framework 2021
National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality 2022