The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Canada has been organizing and empowering tradespeople for over a century. One of the reasons for our union’s longevity within the construction industry is our commitment to organizing workers from all communities and backgrounds. We’re staunch advocates for equal opportunity, inclusivity and diversity in the building trades and all other employment sectors, public and private.
Unfortunately, women remain an underrepresented demographic. While there are indeed more women in the building trades now than there were decades ago, there remains an abundance of work to do in order to recruit, retain and protect our union sisters. Lean In Circles for Union Tradeswomen serves as a virtual/in-person peer networking and mentoring program created by women, for women. In a world where women still face bias and other barriers at work, Circles are a safe space for women to share their struggles, give and get advice, and celebrate each other’s victories. Whether you need help navigating your new normal at work or are looking for support from women who understand what you’re going through, your Union Tradeswomen Circle will give you the boost we all need to take on 2021 and beyond. Over 50,000 circles have been created by women in over 184 countries. Circles typically convene on a monthly basis via Zoom conferencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These circles are tight-knit groups made up of friends, co-workers and members of your communities. Free meeting guides and resources are provided to prompt group discussion and help women learn new skills together. Every meeting closes by committing to One Action—one thing you’ll do to step outside your comfort zone or learn a new skill before your next meeting.
For more information on Lean In Circles for Union Tradeswomen, please visit leanin.org/circles-for-union-tradeswomen