Sisters in the Brotherhood

Jordan Kersch, BCRCC representative, Julie Sawatsky, Sisters in the Brotherhood chair for the BC/Yukon region, and the Honourable Melanie Mark, minister of advanced education, skills, and training, at the launch event for the B.C. Centre for Women in the Trades (BCCWITT) on June 28, 2018.

BCCWITT is working to eliminate the barriers faced by women in the trades by building a network committed to creating a culture of equality and equal opportunity. BCCWITT aims to increase the retention and advancement of women in the trades through targeted supports and programs.

The centre will support the retention and advancement of tradeswomen by addressing three key pillars:

• Outreach and mentorship;
• Shifting the culture through ‘Be More Than a Bystander’ training for men in construction, and;
• Building workforce diversity by assisting unions and employers to strengthen their organizational capacity to support women.

Jordan Kersch, Julie Sawatsky, and Local 1907 member Kristine Byers.

June 9, 2018. Local 1907 Recording Secretary Julie Sawatsky presenting the Doug Urquhart Humanitarian Award to Sister Kristine Byers. The award is handed out every year to a 1907 member who unselfishly contributes to the community and helps raise public awareness of our union. Kristine was recognized for her work with Habitat for Humanity and for her participation with Build TogetHER, helping with repairs for the WISH Centre, a Downtown Eastside women’s shelter.

Doug Urquhart was a long-time member of the Carpenters’ Union in Metro Vancouver. He worked as an organizer and business representative for the Local and went on to become a national representative for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters. Doug is fondly remembered for his commitment to the betterment of the Union through his volunteering and community activism. The award in his name was established by the Local in 2015, after his passing. It ensures that his spirit of helping others in need is recognized and will be carried on.

Read the article in the June 2018, Victoria edition of Business Examiner on women in construction featuring Local 1598 members Rachelle Premack and Yuka Yoshino here: Business Examiner Article

Video: This past May, in Joliet, Illinois, BCRCC Sisters in the Brotherhood (SIB) committee member and Local 1907 member Kristine Byers led a crew of over 150 women who volunteered to build a home for Habitat for Humanity as part of National Women Build Week. A big shout out to Kristine for being a great ambassador for the BCRCC and the SIB committee.
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