Women face different health and safety risks, because of biology and social attitudes. But because most workplaces, machines, personal protective equipment and safety programs have been designed to suit male workers, women have often been left out. Even worse, their concerns are sometimes ridiculed.
USW’s National Policy Conference in 2019 unanimously passed a resolution calling for action. Raising the Bar on Women’s Health and Safety is the result.
The campaign aims to:
Let’s mobilize inside our local unions, health and safety committees and women’s committees and use the USW Action Guide for Raising the Bar on Women’s Health and Safety, the inspection checklist, and the presentation package. Sign up to receive updates and new resources as they become available.
Most workplaces and safety equipment have been designed to suit male workers. When we take women into account, we make workplaces safer. Women have often been left out. Even worse, their concerns are sometimes ridiculed. The USW’s Raising the Bar campaign provides information and action ideas for supporting women and health and safety committees in […]
Is your local a contributor to the Family & Community Education Fund (FCEF) but stuck as to what events to host? Feeling too busy to brainstorm a project? We can help! The FCEF has over 20 project templates on its website – pick the event that best suits the interests of your membership and find […]
Women and gender-diverse people who operate heavy equipment need safe and sanitary places to express breast milk at work. It’s not a big ask, and this workplace took it in stride. Melanie McConnell is Chair of Local 7619’s Women of Steel Committee. She said women and gender-diverse people returning to work from maternity leave can […]
What began as a response to workers’ concerns regarding bathroom breaks has grown into a far-reaching campaign by USW National Local 1944 to educate, engage, mobilize and support members facing workplace harassment, stress and burnout. In 2020, spurred on by the USW national campaign, Raising the Bar on Women’s Health and Safety, the Local 1944 […]
There are two principles fundamental to the trade union movement: human rights and solidarity. Harassment and violence strike at the heart of both. That’s why the USW has adopted these policies and programs.
At the 2019 USW National Policy Conference, sister after sister spoke passionately at the microphones about health and safety issues women face on the job. Delegates listened with respect, giving several standing ovations. Watch the highlights here:
Here’s what former USW National Director Ken Neumann has to say about the campaign: