Most workplaces and safety equipment have been designed to suit male workers. When we take women into account, we make workplaces safer.
Steelworkers pride ourselves on being the health and safety union. Women of Steel are pointing to hazards and health issues they face as women workers. Let’s make women’s health and safety issues a priority for action!
Most workplaces and safety equipment have been designed to suit male workers. When we take women into account, we make workplaces safer.
Steelworkers pride ourselves on being the health and safety union. Women of Steel are pointing to hazards and health issues they face as women workers. Let’s make women’s health and safety issues a priority for action!
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:
Increase awareness of women’s health and safety issues, making them core USW health and safety issues.
Increase women’s participation in health and safety activism, including on committees and in USW courses.
Increase respect and space for women’s voices and ideas in workplaces and our union.
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 […]
Local 1944 Women of Steel Raising the Bar to Address Stress, Burnout
September 30, 2021| News Articles
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 […]
USW Anti-Harassment and Anti-Violence Policies and Programs
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:
Support from USW Canadian Directors
Here’s what former USW National Director Ken Neumann has to say about the campaign: