A strong union is one where all members are represented and included in all aspects of our brotherhood. Recognizing that there is still much to be done to ensure there is equality for our mothers, sisters, daughters and wives in the workplace, in unions and in the labour movement, the IBEW held its first-ever IBEW Canada Women’s Conference last November, with over 100 delegates in attendance, it was a great success. It is important now, to build on the success of that Conference and one way to do that, is to create of Women’s Committees at every Local Union to ensure our Sisters have a space to share their voice, bring up their concerns and ideas to better our Local Unions, and create a path to becoming more involved in our union.
International President Stephenson wholeheartedly supports the work being done to engage IBEW Sisters, and has directed that an IBEW International Women’s Committee be created, with one representative from each of the eleven district’s that make up the IBEW. As well, President Stephenson has developed Charter’s to formalize Women’s Committee in the Local Union, and Local 353, Toronto, ON, is the first Local Union in the IBEW that has requested and been granted a Charter.
“Our committee is not only active but vital to the Sisters in the Trades we have in Local 353’s jurisdiction and to the diverse threads of the local itself,” said Business Manager, Steven Martin. “I am and remain a huge advocate for the equality of our sisters not only in the trade but throughout the labour movement. They are proud IBEW members and personify true professionals in every sense.”
Congratulations to the Sisters in Local 353 and thank you for all of the important work that you do!
