ETU Women in a Male Dominated Trade

The ETU is proud to have excellent female members and dedicated, hard-working union delegates who provide vital support to our members and the union.

 However, we are conscious that a wide range of issues impact more greatly on our female membership. We would like to address these issues more directly and comprehensively.

Learning more about our women members: the survey and its results

Early this year, we were lucky to haven a young woman electrician working with us as part of the Trades Hall’s Union Summer Program. Laura Birch spent three weeks working with the ETU, learning how unions operate.

 For her Union Summer project, Laura was interested in exploring women’s experiences of working in the male-dominated electrical trade. Laura developed a survey that she was keen to put to our female members, and we jumped at the suggestion.

Women confront different issues deserving Union attention

The survey of female ETU members provided us with some interesting insights into their experience at work:

• 80% felt that they had work related issues that differ from their male colleagues
• 69% have, at one time or another, felt isolated or excluded in their workplace because of their gender
• 68% felt like they had been judged by their appearance rather than their work abilities, either occasionally or frequently
• 51% reported that they had been subjected to bullying or harassment that they believed was gender related
• An astonishing 85% indicated that they have difficulty in obtaining appropriately fitting work attire.

Positive feedback on an electrical trade career and the union

There was more positive news when we asked about their views on the electrical trade and the union:

• 94% would recommend a career in the electrical trade to female friends and family
• 79% felt that the ETU was approachable on issues they experienced at work.

A call for a women’s committee or network within the ETU There was also strong support for the establishment of an ETU Women’s Committee, with 82% agreeing that it would be useful for sharing views and providing support, and 76% indicating their interest in participating in an informal women’s network.

The ETU is committed to supporting all of our members and will be exploring ways we can improve the working lives of our women members.

Watch this space.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS FROM THE WOMEN SURVEYED

Would you recommend the trade to female family or friends?
“I think it’s a wonderful trade for women, and don’t understand why more women aren’t involved.”
“The diversity of career paths is vast and so there is a niche for everyone.”
“My dad was horrified I was going to be one of those rough women. Was so good when I started earning more money than him.”

Changes you’d like to see?
“Better education of acceptable behaviour. Better processes in place to deal with harassment and bullying.”
“Acceptance. We’re just trying to make a living too. Don’t feel threatened by us because that’s not our intention.”
“Support for mums with kids that require flexible working arrangements.”
“Mandatory women’s and men’s bathrooms on site!”