Invested in Womens’ Success
When we think of partners who are supportive and committed to diversity and inclusion in the Newfoundland and Labrador workforce, we immediately think of the Millwright Union, Local 1009.
The union has a strong female membership who have been assessed on skills and merit. The Local actively supports its women members and has worked closely with our office to help many of them find work.
Keeping The Lights On
In recent months, the union has been attending to industrial shutdowns at mines and electrical institutions. Of course, part of the millwright response team has been our women members.
In July, for example, Local 1009 dispatched five female Millwrights for a shut down at the Holyrood hydro plant. Three female apprentices and two Journeyperson were part of the team to work and service the generators that keep the power in Newfoundland and Labrador flowing.
Exciting Opportunities
In addition, the union has dispatched two of our registered welders and four of our registered women apprentices to the Muskrat Falls project about 25 kilometres west of Happy Valley-Goose Bay in Labrador. Two more female apprentices have been dispatched to another contractor through the union.
“This is an exciting opportunity for both the local and the Office to Advance Women Apprentices to see the strong female team working together on a smaller scale project,” says Mary Ford, outreach manager for the Newfoundland and Labrador Office to Advance Women Apprentices. “The determination of these women to progress in their careers and the support from the unionized body was a true testament to the support and commitment to diversity and inclusion.”
Big Steps Forward
In a huge step forward for diversity and inclusion, the Local has also appointed its first female shop steward. She’ll serve as the steward for long-term maintenance in Labrador City.
Local 1009, under the Atlantic Canada Regional Council, is a true leader in supporting women in the skilled trades. With their continued support, the Office to Advance Women Apprentices will continue to advance women in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Become a Leader
If your company or organization is a leader in diversity or would like to find out how to become one, we want to hear from you. Wage subsidies are available to employers and we have a database of women apprentices and Red Seals excited to get to work. Get in touch!