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Every year on International Women’s Day, the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers – British Columbia (CUSW-BC) proudly joins workers across the country and around the world in celebrating the achievements of women and renewing our commitment to equality. It is a day to recognize the vital contributions women make in every workplace, community, and industry—including the skilled trades, where their leadership and expertise are helping shape the future of Canada’s workforce.
The labour movement has long been at the forefront of the struggle for gender equality. For generations, unions have fought to secure equal pay for equal work, maternity and parental leave protections, workplace safety standards, and protections against discrimination and harassment. These gains were not handed down freely—they were won through solidarity, collective bargaining, and the determination of workers standing together.
Today, unions remain one of the most powerful forces for improving opportunities and economic security for women. Unionized workplaces consistently deliver better wages, stronger benefits, and safer working conditions, helping close gender pay gaps and create fairer workplaces for everyone.
At CUSW-BC, these principles are central to who we are. Our union was built on the values of democracy, fairness, and participation from the ground up, and we believe that diversity and inclusion make our union—and our industries—stronger. Workers’ rights are human rights, and discrimination based on gender or any other factor has no place in any industry.
Opening Doors in the Skilled Trades
Historically, the skilled trades have been male-dominated industries. For far too long, women interested in careers as electricians, powerline technicians, mechanics, and other tradespeople faced unnecessary barriers—from hiring discrimination to limited training opportunities.
CUSW-BC is committed to changing that forever.
Our union actively works to recruit women and individuals from equity-seeking groups into the skilled trades, helping ensure that these careers are accessible to everyone who has the talent and determination to succeed. By opening doors and breaking down outdated barriers, we are helping to build a workforce that better reflects the diversity of British Columbia and Canada.
Through our apprenticeship opportunities, training initiatives, and member-driven programs, CUSW-BC encourages women to explore rewarding careers in the trades. These careers offer strong wages, meaningful work, and the chance to build the infrastructure and energy systems that power our communities.
Just as importantly, women within CUSW-BC are not simply participants in the trades—they are leaders in our union. Our democratic structure ensures that members help guide the direction of the organization, ensuring that every voice is heard and every member has the opportunity to shape the future of the union.
Building the Future Together
The demand for skilled trades workers in Canada continues to grow, particularly in industries such as energy, construction, and infrastructure. Encouraging more women to pursue these careers is not only a matter of fairness—it is essential to meeting the workforce needs of the future.
When women enter the trades, entire industries benefit. Workplaces become more inclusive, innovation increases, and communities grow stronger. By supporting training, mentorship, and fair opportunities, unions like CUSW-BC are helping ensure the next generation of trades workers includes talented women from every part of our society.
A Commitment That Continues
International Women’s Day is both a celebration and a call to action. While significant progress has been made, there is still more work to do to ensure true equality in every workplace and every industry.
CUSW-BC is proud to stand with women across British Columbia and Canada as we continue the fight for fairness, respect, and opportunity in the skilled trades. Together, we will keep working to build workplaces where everyone—regardless of gender—can thrive.
On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of women in the trades, honour those who paved the way before us, and recommit ourselves to building a future where the skilled trades are open, inclusive, and welcoming to all.
