Historically, labor unions have been dominated by men.

Currently women only make up, 4 percent of the workforce but the number continues to grow each year and hit a record high of over 314,000 in 2021 and over the last few years has grown by almost one third.  

The rise in the industry 

Union women in construction, trades, and manufacturing are continuing to improve the health and safety standards in the industry and women of color are at the forefront. In 2023 the percentage of Black women who are union workers increased from 10.3 percent to 10.5 percent and Latina workers increased from 8.5 to 8.8 percent.  

To keep up this momentum the U.S. Department of Labor has created grant programs like The Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) to expand pathways for women to enter and lead in all industries. In the past year the program has donated over $5 million to several communities to increase women’s participation in apprenticeships. The program provides organizations with assistance in many different areas like: 

• Developing pre-apprenticeship or nontraditional skills training programs to prepare women for those careers

• Providing ongoing orientations for employers, unions, and workers on creating a successful environment for women to succeed in those careers 

• Setting up support groups, facilitating networks, or providing support services for women to improve their retention. 

How women are making an impact 

The growing number of women in labor unions is improving health and safety conditions in the industry. Culturally, women have been the primary care givers in families and have struggled to obtain adequate paid leave time for maternity leave and doctor’s appointments for themselves and members of their family. Roughly 20 percent of women workers in unions have better access to benefits than most non-union workers. This gives them access to proper benefits and paid leave time for doctor’s appointments, sick time, and vacation time leading to a healthier work life balance.  

In a study done by the National Partnership of Women and Families they found that union members and those represented by unions have higher wages compared to their non-union counterparts and that women receive a bigger wage bump than men. This is especially important for women and helps close the wage gaps between men and women in the industry.  

Advocacy in Unions  

Organizations like the North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) have been dedicated to creating stability of employment and economic stability for construction workers. They advocate for better diversity in the industry and provide a variety of resources like apprenticeship programs and special training for women workers. This year they are holding their Trades Women Build Nations Annual Conference, where tradeswomen from all over the country can network and learn new skills in various workshops.  

NABTU’s main purpose is to create more work opportunities, achieve family-sustaining wages and protect labor, training, safety, retirement and benefit standards, not just for the members of their 14 national and international union affiliates, but for all construction workers.  

The future of the industry 

Women in construction and trades unions are continuing to make the positive changes in the industry. With help from programs like WANTO and organizations like NABTU, the number of women joining construction and trades can continue to grow in the future. 

NAWIC provides support, networking and mentorship, leadership training and educational opportunities for more than 5,500 members in 120 chapters across the U.S. Want to know more? Contact a chapter near you.