Unions have long played a critical role in advocating for workers’ rights, better wages, benefits, and working conditions. However, despite significant progress, women remain underrepresented in union membership and leadership positions. In the U.S., while women make up almost half of the workforce, they represent only one-third of union members. This underrepresentation of women is not just a gender equity issue. Female union members bring unique perspectives and essential priorities to the table. Women are often noted for their collaborative leadership styles. By prioritizing collective well-being and listening to the voices of a diverse group, our union will be more unified and resilient in the face of challenges.
Although the number of women working in utilities has gradually increased, we remain a significant minority, particularly in technical and senior leadership roles. This marginalization is partly due to the industry’s perceived image as a male field that deters women from pursuing careers in these areas. Gender pay gaps remain an important issue, where women often earn less than men in similar roles. This demotivates women and discourages them from seeking advancements. In our industry, work-life balance is a constant struggle. This problem disproportionately affects women, particularly women with caregiver responsibilities. In order to engage more women in our union, we must address the gender disparity in our industry.
Our union has put effort into breaking these barriers; however, more work needs to be done to eliminate them completely. We must employ targeted outreach and organizing efforts. Young women entering the workforce must be made aware of their opportunities in non-traditional careers. By encouraging women to seek careers in the utility sectors we can destroy the image of a male field. We must also seek to organize traditional female roles such as administration and call centers. We must continue to create spaces for women to take on representative roles such as mentorships, leadership training, and structural changes that allow for equal access to a seat at the table. We must continue to build robust diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. We must fight for flexible working arrangements, family leave, and equal pay for equal work, addressing issues that disproportionately affect women.
By ensuring that women’s voices are heard, our union will be more representative, inclusive, and effective in advocating for all workers. We will not only strengthen our union but will also advance gender equality and social justice in the workplace and beyond.