Washington, DC – March 7, 2019 – Today, North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) issued the following statement from President Sean McGarvey in recognition of National Women in Construction Week.

“This week, North America’s Building Trades Unions proudly celebrate National Women in Construction Week and salute the thousands of women in our ranks and industry. For decades, hard-working tradeswomen have played pivotal roles within the construction industry, breaking barriers and blazing trails for future generations. While only 9 percent of the union construction workforce is female, the impact of building trades women is significant and progress is surely being made. Among our thousands of apprenticeship readiness graduates, over 25 percent are women and that number is growing. Not only are these trades women increasing on job sites, but many are also becoming top leaders, like Arlene Dunn, our Canadian executive director, who is the highest-ranking female in the unionized sector and all of construction world-wide.

“The unionized trades support fair wages and benefits, where men and women are paid equally. We prioritize inclusion, safety and the fair treatment of each and every member. With this in mind, NABTU continues to put forth concerted efforts and investments to advance equality and ensure every building trades union member is respected and protected at work. Our goal is to create a more welcoming and inclusive construction industry, made up of faces that accurately represent America as we know it.”

“On behalf of North America’s Building Trades Unions, I thank every woman, past and present, that has chosen a career path within the building trades. I am grateful to see your strength, perseverance, and commitment to your craft over the years and look forward to our continued work together as we expand opportunities.”

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