Importance of Regulations and Enforcement for Women in Non-Traditional Jobs

In October 2010, Legal Momentum hosted a roundtable discussion of tradeswomen, policy experts, and researchers to discuss the revision of federal construction regulations and strategies to increase the number and retention of women on federally-funded construction sites. Equality Works Program Manager Françoise Jacobsohn and Legal Momentum Interim President Rachael N. Pine were pleased to welcome Office of Federal Contract Compliance (OFCCP) Director Patricia Shiu, Women’s Bureau Director Sara Manzano-Diaz, and other representatives from the Department of Labor to the discussion.

Equality Works Roundtable

Sara Manzano-Diaz, Françoise Jacobsohn, and Patricia Shiu

Participants emphasized the importance of early regulations and enforcement in reducing barriers to women’s employment in non-traditional jobs. Sonya Covington from Forest City Ratner Companies and Yvette Dennis from The Darman Group described their success in securing and retaining women on Forest City Ratner job sites. By writing enforcement language into their contracts from the very beginning, hiring The Darman Group to work on-site to ensure compliance, and continuing monitoring and enforcement, Forest City Ratner has reached their goal of at least 10% women on their sites. Their New York Times Building construction achieved a 15% labor participation rate by women.

Sheet Metal Journeywoman Leah Rambo and Carpenter Journeywoman Vanessa Salazar discussed the issues women often face in non-traditional jobs, including sexual harassment and gender discrimination. Salazar noted that, when she inquires about certain projects, employers often tell her that a site “already has a woman” on the job, or that construction jobs are too difficult for women – despite the fact that Salazar won second place in the New York City District Council of Carpenters Golden Hammer Competition last April.

OFCCP Director Patricia Shiu described the changes that have already taken place since she took office in August 2009 and her determination to revise affirmative action provisions in construction regulations. Women’s Bureau Director Sara Manzano-Diaz echoed Shiu’s sentiments and noted her dedication to gathering and disseminating employment models that work for women across the country.

Legal Momentum promotes opportunity and equality for women in non-traditional job sectors, many of which are high-paying, have career tracks, and provide job security, annual leave, and other benefits. We advocate for policies that improve women’s access to such jobs, support an organized constituency of tradeswomen, and work to increase girls’ enrollment in high schools that prepare them for the skilled trades.

Read the testimony of tradeswomen, policy experts, and researchers:

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