Key Takeaways
- The Trump administration promotes skilled trades over college, using the slogan "Make America Skilled Again."
- Concerns exist that efforts to end diversity, equity, and inclusion programs could set back women in trades.
- Women constitute less than 5% of the construction workforce, facing unique challenges and discrimination.
- Unions are increasingly supporting women in trades, implementing policies like maternity leave.
- Obama-era policies designed to increase women's participation in federal construction projects have been rescinded.
Deep Dive
- The Trump administration's "Make America Skilled Again" initiative prioritizes skilled trades over college education.
- NPR labor correspondent Andrea Hsu reported on implications for women in construction.
- This focus raises concerns about potential setbacks for women who have made small but meaningful gains in these fields.
- Women constitute less than 5% of the construction workforce, often working as the sole woman on job sites.
- Chicago Women in Trades, a 40-year-old nonprofit, offers 12-week training programs for women in construction, often supported by federal funding.
- Union plumbing apprenticeships require a high school diploma and aptitude tests, leading to wages over $60/hour.
- Societal beliefs about gender roles often deter women from pursuing lucrative blue-collar jobs despite high earning potential.
- Some older tradeswomen express concern about potential setbacks, despite progress in areas like dedicated bathrooms and harassment reporting processes.
- The Iron Workers Union implemented a maternity leave policy, offering up to six months of partial pay before birth and 6-8 weeks after.
- This policy has significantly improved retention, with 85% of women returning to work, and has been adopted by other trades unions.
- Increasing union support for women is partly driven by high labor demand, necessitating the inclusion of all segments of the population.
- A White House spokesperson emphasized focus on "skilled, competent, and eager construction workers" and "Americans of all backgrounds," reframing efforts away from "DEI boondoggles."
- The Trump administration rescinded Obama-era policies, including an executive order requiring federal contractors to analyze hiring disparities.
- A goal for women to perform 6.9% of work on federal construction projects is no longer enforced.
- The administration's directive against "illegal DEI," without a clear definition, causes concern for organizations like Chicago Women in Trades regarding future partnerships.
- The Trump administration's "America's Talent Strategy" report does not specifically mention women, but addresses "disengaged and disconnected workers," implying a focus on re-engaging men.
- President Trump's past comments linked diversity goals to alleged delays in the Obama Foundation's construction project, which the foundation states is on schedule.
- Visuals from the Labor Department's Instagram feed present a nostalgic, mid-century aesthetic with predominantly white workers, evoking a post-war "American Dream."
- Retired carpenter Keena McAfee highlighted a discrimination case in the 1980s that was instrumental in opening doors for women in trades.
- The Carpenters Union disbanded its "Sisters in the Brotherhood" program, citing a memo that linked the program to "legal risk" due to "identity-based initiatives."
- Despite setbacks, McAfee now instructs at Chicago Women in Trades, continuing her commitment to helping women enter the skilled trades.
- She emphasizes the significant difference in jobsite experience when women have mutual support.