National Skills Summit
Innovative Initiatives: Construction and
Transportation
International Masonry Institute (IMI) And
Affiliated Employers, Labor Unions,
and the International Union of
Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers:
Increasing the Number of Women in the
Trowel Trades
The Challenge:
To increase the number of women employed in the masonry industry - a non-traditional occupation for women, and one where skilled workers are scarce.
The
Solution:
Heighten the awareness and sensitivity of unions and employers to the needs and attributes of women in non-traditional occupations, and to help place qualified women in jobs where skilled workers are needed.
The
Partners:
International Masonry Institute (IMI) is the labor/management cooperative program of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC). Together with many affiliated employers (contractors who employ its members), they are collectively known as the International Council of Employers of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (ICE).
The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) represents nearly 100,000 workers in the masonry trades in the United States and Canada. It is the oldest construction union in North America.
The
Story:
IMI has a well-established apprenticeship and training program that is acknowledged by contractors, union leaders, and government officials as one of the best programs of its type. It is now putting great emphasis on making masonry an accessible occupation for women. This effort began with an 18-month pilot program in four markets -- Seattle, Chicago, Philadelphia/New Jersey, and New England, in which a concentrated effort was made in these areas to help construction companies and unions recruit and retain female workers.
To dispel myths and false stereotypes, the project included a number of focus group sessions regarding attitudes toward women on job sites, hiring, recruiting, and creating support systems for women on the job. Each participant evaluated the efforts of the other parties to include women. Following these sessions four avenues of assistance were implemented:
- Issue-specific workshops and discussion panels;
- General awareness and orientation presentations;
- One-on-one and small group consultations with BAC local union leaders, regional training directors, and the BAC Women's Task Force; and
- A video, brochure, and other information resources.
During the construction of PSI Net Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens, these efforts resulted in the increased hiring and retention of women crew members.
A Model of
Innovation:
IMI educates potential members regarding involvement in the trade. The BAC Women's Mentor Network and Hotline (888-IMI-4IMI) is available for recruits and women members to place anonymous calls and receive advice and direction regarding a variety of concerns. The hotline is staffed by IMI's Education Program's Coordinator.
Contacts:
Joan Baggett Calambokidis,
President International
Masonry Institute
42 East Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-280-1305
or 410-280-1301 (p)
301-261-2855 (f)
Hazel Bradford,
Director of Communications
International Masonry Institute
7612 Winterberry Place
Bethesda, MD
20817
301-229-3404 (p)
301-229-1003 (f)
Training takes to the Highway
The International Masonry Institute dispatches its mobile training unit to job sites across the country where companies need trained masonry workers. The trailers haul tents and equipment directly to the work site where 15 or more workers are needed and the employer commits to hiring all of them. Participating contractors and local unions pay for the program, which hit the road in 1995.
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