Issue link: https://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/1523082
Upcoming Events Council Collective July 10 Dock & Drink, Renton Visit mbaks.com/events for up-to-date information on the location and status of events. BY AMY ECKLUND 2024 RC CHAIR AMY WORKS A bout a week ago I attended a conference at Renton Technical College to celebrate women in the trades. This is a very worthy cause and one that is near and dear to my heart. As a certified woman-owned business owner and someone who has identified as a woman, I came away from the event elated by the support, but also somewhat saddened that we even need such an event these days. When will we start to tip the scale toward equity and inclusion among the tradespeople of today? Several things stood out to me that left me disheartened. Firstly, the fight for clean, separate restrooms and feminine products being supplied on the worksite—a no-brainer to me and hopefully to you as well. House Bill 2266 recently passed the Washington State House outlining the need for improved sanitary conditions on construction sites. The Washington State Labor Council's fact sheet states, "Construction is a male-dominated industry, so companies often fail to provide equitable sanitary facilities. This inequity creates a circular effect, preventing workers who menstruate and/or express milk from considering construction as a career, limiting the industry's growth at a time of high demand". Feelings of anger arose in me as I heard multiple stories of harassment and women being asked on the job site, "What are you doing here?" even though their skillsets often surpassed that of their co-workers asking. Stories of women losing their jobs because they chose to report an incident of harassment were all too common, and often it was deemed "safer" for them to lose their job than to keep them on. A highlight of the day was hearing author Hillary Peach read several passages from her book "Thick Skin: Field Notes from a Sister in the Brotherhood ". The book is a humorous but eye-opening recollection of Peach's time as a transient welder. She started her career in the trades over 40 years ago, and her stories mimicked those about today's working conditions for the brave women in the trades. When will the needle start to move toward equity? Enlightening Women's Forum Create inclusive spaces with the Remodelers Council at mbaks.com/rc When will we start to tip the scale toward equity and inclusion among the tradespeople of today? When will we start to tip the scale toward equity and inclusion among the tradespeople of today? 50 master BUILDER | SUMMER 2024 WORDS FROM THE CHAIR