WITT NATIONAL NEWSLETTER

Alliance of Tradeswomen Technologists Operators and Blue Collar Workers

IN THIS ISSUE 2 Marcia's Farewell 6 - Construcfront 10 - Equity in Apprenticeship 4- Toronto Access 8 - Equity in Construction 12 - WITTS About Us * 5- Who is Maggie? 9 - Collaboration Syndicale , 19 - Resources / 4 National Coordinator's

This is the Official Farewell Newsletter of the WITT National Network published This will be my last report to you as the of these recommendation, and the recommenda• four times a year and National Coordinator of WITT National Net• tions from the 1992 conference, for the past 7 distributed to all work. Your next report will be from Maggie years. members in good McDonald, a wonderful WITT woman from Since 1988, over forty local and regional standing. London, Ontario who will be acclaimed in the WITT groups have formed across the country, Please send us role at the Halifax conference. Maggie will make to support local needs, many on their own and material and a fine National Coordinator. some with help form the national office. The information you I would like to share with you some National Conferences have continued in the would like to see pattern of two days of WITT women meeting, shared in this reflections and parting thoughts about the publication. development and philosophy of WITT National with a blending into two days with the labour Network, and about who WITT serves. I believe market partners. Regional conferences have a that WITT women have ownership and direc• different focus, serving WITT women and their We extend a special tion of this Network, while our labour market female advocates. invitation to all of our labour market partners' participation is essential to our The reality is that women in TTO/BCW partners and success. have to be more than just proficient at their alliances to In 1980, participants at the first WITT technical skills, they need skills that are not collaborate with our conference decided not to create a national always expected from workers in these fields: editorial committee organization. The prevalent sentiment was that communications, assertiveness, conflict resolu• in future editions. women needed to focus their efforts on gaining tion, mediation, self-esteem building, and most their skills, completing their apprenticeships of all, a sense of support and belonging. These and keeping their jobs, while developing their are retention skills for us. We have worked to Sincere Thank-you's to all the contribu• local organizations. build them into pre-trades and technology J tors, and apologies Employment Equity Legislation was programs to assist others. for all that didn't find proclaimed in 1986, companies were required to More often now, some of that sense of inclusion in this start reporting in 1988. Computers and techno• belonging can come from our unions, and issue, but look logical change were making a major impact on sometimes with groups set up through our forward to the next employers at our workplaces. But just as easily, edition. work as we know it. By 1988, there were only 5-6 active groups those too can be places of exclusion. We really in the country; several of those groups had do need to have a place of understanding Your Editors: experiencing ups and downs in member energy. where we feel safe and valued, and a place Marcia Braundy At the 1988 conference, "Surviving and Thriv• from which we can help each other and Erin Lrnfngton ing", we learned that those original apprentices perhaps our younger sisters find a rightful Helene de Montkjny and the tradeswomen, technicians, and blue place in the skilled workforce. That has been the collar workers who came after them had not role of our local groups, as well as lobbying for had an easy time of it. There were many change. OTP: Kathy Einarson similarities in the difficulties they experienced, At the national level, our organization - Graphic Design and all participants needed to hear their stories. Winnipeg, MB has moved issues forward by working with our The support and understanding gained from labour market partners. Our Industrial Adjust• this gathering was a valuable tool to enable us to ment Service (IAS) Committee provided strategize on needed changes to improve the resources for our work with WITT women and future situation for women in theses fields. our labour market partners, and for several The first two days of the conference in important projects: this newsletter; the "Direc• which women met alone with their advocates tory of Recruitment and Retention Programs was important, as was the decision to bring in and Initiatives"; the new "Integrating WITT: our labour market partners in the second two Strategies toWelcom e Women in Trades, days. The labour market partners attended that Technology, Operations and Blue Collar conference as they had a role to play in chang• Work", a checklist to help identify changes ing those circumstances in which WITT Women needed in systems, organizations and institu• found themselves, a role which many were tions. Lastly, the function we have played as a already working at, separate and apart from resource and information network has prove WITT. The discussion that took place, in invaluable to the many people who have workshops, during walks by the lake and late sought us out for that reason. night in the sleeping quarters, led to strong and There has also been an important tension clear recommendations that launched the WITT created between those in the organization who National Network on its challenging work. I feel that our primary work should be building have been engaged in the work mat come out local groups and supporting women who are

Page 2 WITT National Newsletter i JUNE 1994 "As WITT's National Coordinator, I have done my best to walk the high tension line..."

out there, and encouraging women to labour force profile of our workplaces: McGrath of the CARS Council for his move into these fields, and those who WITT women, employers, unions, initial support and ongoing work with feel that much work needs to be done to educators and federal and provincial us through the process of becoming a urge, coerce, educate and assist employ• government policy makers. It will take Sector Council. I also want to thank the ers and unions to increase and enhance diligence to continue to ensure that we staff in the Kootenays who have served women's opportunities to train and understand and serve the needs of all of this organization so well over the last 7 work in their industries, educators to our constituents. years. I will start with Emily provide new programs, modify old As WITT's National Coordinator, Youngreen, our resource coordinator practices to ensure women's success I have done my best to walk the high and conference workshop transcriber, and governments to modify policy and tension line between those who see a who has been with us from the begin• program interventions to support and need to focus on support and encour• ning, and has always been willing to encourage true equality in the agement of local WITT and those that drive the 5 miles to the house/office to workplace. This is all good work. see a need to work with our labour fax or send some much needed pieces I believe that our new Sectoral market partners. We need to do both. It of paper somewhere in the country. Partnership Initiative, WITT National has not been easy, and I have occasion• And Muffin, our bookkeeper, who has Network Human Resource Council ally been singed. As a carpenter, I am had to make heads and tails out of our incorporates both these goals. For its more used to creating and following many different projects. Bonnie, Becky, success, we must ensure that WITT blueprints, constructing as I go along, Maree, and Linda who have each women are supported to participate making changes as needed, using my served so ably as executive assistant to and to build activities at the local level. tools to measure, cut, fit, fabricate and someone who was on the road as much It also provides the unique opportunity finish. Clearly, this is a work in as I, and served the Advisory Commit• to work as colleagues with all our progress, and I now leave it to Maggie, tee as well, to ensure that effective , labour market partners: to network, an electronics technician, to walk that communications always took place. educate, and assist in integrating WITT high tension line. Finally, I want to thank Linda Lee of women. The new team of WITT Lastly, I would like to talk about Kootenay Travel in Nelson, who is the National Network: Maggie McDonald, those aspects of my job that I have best travel agent in the world, and kept (National Coordinator); Louise Nichol, enjoyed the most. I have travelled this me on the road with patience, humour, (Sector Council Administrator); and Jill country from coast to coast, meeting tenacity, and ingenuity. Jones, (Education Coordinator) have and working with, supporting and In closing, we all need to thank major and exciting work ahead of brainstorming with WITT women the women who have made up the them. who have commitment and ingenuity, Steering Committee and the Advisory And as recommended at the 1988 dedication and perseverance, often in Committee, who have worked together conference, with our Sector Council the face of devastating circumstances. and on their own to make this organi• Initiative we will finally be able to It has been an honour to move issues zation what it has become, hopefully realize a national databank. The forward as far as I have been able. It what we need to assist us to move potential uses of the databank have has been a pleasure to meet women in forward with our common goals. increased to include an in inventory of training institutions and worksites, TTO/BCW women in Canada, as well each of us knowing that pioneering isn't always easy, but if we do it, it as policy and program information, a 1994 will be easier for those after us. listing of available role models, Canadian Woman Entrepreneur perhaps a listing of consultants on It has been my good fortune to of the Year Awards WITT integration issues, the possibility find advocates in industry and in It is the third year of this of engaging in some long overdue government, as well as among national award to honour women research, and finally the ability to educators: and also to find those who entrepreneurs for their personal respond to those many queries about were willing to change their thinking achievements and their vital numbers of women in TTO/BCW that as a result of what we showed them. contribution to the Canadian come in every day. And it was good to see those people, economy. These awards are given WITT has taken a 28 year old IAS men and women become advocates to celebrate women who are turning program designed to serve primarily themselves, using their roles to effect visions into realities. For information male-dominated industries and the change that will assist in the integra• only: National Awards Selection newly emerging Sectoral Partnership tion of women in trades, technology, Committee, Barbara Caldwell, Initiative, modified it, and created a operations and blue collar work. I do CALBAR Inc., 18 Southdale Drive, new model of consultation and believe that when men really start Markham, ON L3P 1J7 Phone: partnership that will better serve our talking to men about these issues, (905)472-0774 Fax: (905)472-4807 needs. It incorporates more of those effective change will truly accelerate. I with a role to play in changing the Finally, I want to thank Mike

JUNE 1994 WITT National Newsletter Page 3 Toronto Access to Apprenticeship Program

by Diane S. Brundage In the spring of 1993, the Wom- Durham College. Janet and Jo-Ellen employer 100% of wages for the first en's Access to Apprenticeship Training work with the counsellors and clients six months and 90% of wages for the Project in the Toronto District was from a variety of community agencies, last six months. This employer is restructured and renamed. It is now i.e. Skills for Change, Chinese Informa• providing three apprenticeship known as the Access to Apprenticeship tion & Community Services, the positions, Motor Vehicle Mechanic, Project (AAP). The Project's mandate Organization of Black Tradesmen & Electrician, and Building Maintenance has expanded to include all of the Tradeswomen of Ontario, Canada Mechanic, to women who are presently Equity Group members (women, racial Employment Centre, Ministry of on social assistance or mother's minorities, the disabled, francophones, Community and Social Services, etc. allowance. and Aboriginals) with emphasis on As a result of this work, we are The SSEP funding has become helping women to access apprentice• compiling an Apprenticeship/Job very popular with the eligible non• ship opportunities. These changes only Ready List of qualified candidates profit employers in the Toronto took place in the Toronto District, in which is utilized by the Marketing District. In January 1994, we were other Districts in Ontario they are still consultants when discussing appren• successful in working with 5 employ• called Women's Access to Apprentice• ticeship opportunities with employers. ers, who submitted 10 proposals for ship Training Projects. These Projects The function of Program Devel• approval by the Ministry of Commu• are funded by the Ontario Training and opment is being handled by the nity and Social Services for 10 appren• Adjustment Board (OTAB) - Appren• Apprenticeship Branch's representa• ticeship positions. The employers are ticeship Branch, formerly known as the tive, Carol Pickett (Jean Miller's two Boards of Education, a Commu• Ministry of Skills Development - replacement). Carol helps facilitate the nity College, a Hospital and a Commu• Apprenticeship Branch. development of new training opportu• nity Agency. The apprenticeship During our restructuring, a nities for equity group members at positions are as follows: (3) Building consortium was formed by the spon• community colleges and union training Maintenance Mechanics; a Plumber; a soring agencies to provide a more centres. Heating, Ventilation and Air Condi• concentrated effort to ensure the Ajao Modibo from Centennial tioning Mechanic; an Electronic Repair delivery of this project. Members of College (Lynn Cullaton's replacement) Technician; a Printer; a Sign Writer; this Toronto District consortium are as is the Project Coordinator. At the and (2) Electricians. We are expecting follows; the Industrial Training coordinating office we are creating a approval for the funding later this Committee for North York and York data base of qualified candidates' spring. Region; the Sheridan College; George resumes that are sent to employers We are also working with a large Brown College; Durham College; upon request Ajao recently coordi• municipality that has already placed 5 Centennial College; and OTAB - nated, in conjunction with the Appren• women into TTO jobs in the last six Apprenticeship Branch. It was deter• ticeship Branch's Area Offices, three months. These jobs are in the Waste mined that major responsibility must Outreach Conferences in Toronto. Water Treatment Plant area for over be assigned for the marketing, net• These conferences brought together $16 an hour. working, program development, and representatives from the Apprentice• We are working with the project co-ordination functions of the ship Branch and community agencies Employment Equity Section of Human Project. To facilitate this, lead responsi• to discuss strategies to further the Resources and Development Canada, bilities were assigned to two consult• awareness of apprenticeship in their formerly know as Employment and ants for Marketing, two for Network• communities. Our Project conducted Immigration Canada, to help employ• ing, one for Program Development, workshops at two of these conferences ers, who are suppliers to the Federal and one for Project Co-ordination. to explain our new model of operation Government, look at strategies to get The Marketing function is and to share networking and market• more women into skilled and TTO handled by myself, Diane Brundage ing strategies. areas. One employer is utilizing the from the industrial Training Commit• To date, 1994 has started off very 'BRIDGES PROGRAM', designed by tee for North York and York Region busy for us here in the Toronto District. the City of Toronto. This program and Mary McNeil from Sheridan We are in the process of working with provides female employees with College. Mary and I mainly work with 5 employers in placing women into 4 training in basic tool skills, etc. and an employers to increase their awareness TTO jobs and 5 apprenticeship oppor• opportunity to do job shadowing in of apprenticeship and to facilitate tunities. skilled occupations in the company. apprenticeship opportunities. One of the employers is taking When the women finish this training Lead responsibilities for the advantage of special funding for 12 they will have a better opportunity to Networking function are being han• months, from the Ministry of Commu• apply for internal skilled jobs as they dled by consultants Janet Pond of nity and Social Services. The funding, become available. George Brown College and Jo-Ellen called Social Services Employment Taylor (Linda Barker's replacement) of Program (SSEP), will reimburse the «j (Continued on Page 15)

Page 4 WITT National Newsletter , JUNE 1994 Who is Maggie McDonald?

Maggie McDonald has been solidified. She attributes being in the sentative from Ontario, on the IAS/ acclaimed as WITT National presence of so many committed WITT SEED Committee, and in many Network's new National Coordina• women and advocates with fostering a ongoing WITT projects. tor. Maggie is a feminist and WITT new confidence, a new sense of woman who has shown a strong belonging with WITT women, and commitment to improving opportu• new goals to improve the opportuni• AND THE OTHER nities for women, and to creating ties for all WITT women. MEMBERS OF THE innovative partnerships to further Since then, Maggie has devel• our goals. oped and taught many bridging TEAM: Maggie believes that it is the programs for women including: WITT, Maggie will be working participation of WITT women in the Pre-apprentice Electrical for Women, closely with two administrators to local organizations that is needed to Technical Orientation for Women and manage the activities of the new provide direction of the National Technical Upgrading for Immigrant WITT Human Resource Council and Network. "More grass roots the Witt National Network. development will be needed as WITT proceeds on with it's work as On the Future of WITT Education Administrator: a sector council. My primary National Network: Jill Jones is our new Educa• strength is in leading more towards tion Administrator for the WITT this... WITT belongs to all women in Human Resource Sector Council. Jill Trades, Technology, Operations will be developing and promoting and Blue Collar Work... WITT is educational products and other made of all women's voices; resources, and working with our claiming their right and excitement / want women to know that this is theirlabour organization market partners and to promot the networkinge has to work for them - women who are looking for jobs or training need to be matched with employers who are looking to hire WITT women. I find the idea of working in a partnership very exciting, bringing everyone - women, employers, educators, and unions together to find a common ground. When each group doesn't know the other players - it's hard to get the work done - and there is a lot of work to be done. to work in TTO/BCW." issues of the WITT National Net• Maggie sees the National work. Jill has worked for 20 years as Network strengthening local groups an activist in women's and labour - assisting them in becoming self- issues: Jill is an adult educator, a sufficient, to find sources of funding skilled mediator and a community or to encourage entrepreneurial development worker. She is a activities, as the National Network trained machinist with the organiz• itself moves towards self-sufficiency Maggie McDonald ing, planning and financial manage• from funders. Product development ment experience needed for success• and our expertise in education and ful administration of WITT National integrating WITT women are Network and Council. services which both National Network and local groups can offer Sector Council Administrator: our labour market partners. The Women. Maggie helped develop and Louise Nichol is our new Network is a resource for everyone deliver GET! Camps (Girl's Exploring Sector Council Administrator. - with WITT women at the centre of Trades and Technology), which began Louise will be developing and the wheel. at Fanshawe College but is now promoting programs to other sector Maggie's Background adapted and used across the country. councils, and working with them to At the local and regional levels, promote issues of the WITT Na• During the recession in the Maggie belongs to and has provided tional Network. Louise is a WITT 80's, Maggie underwent re-training leadership to (among others): London woman with training and experience through a WITT course and elec• WITT, ONWITT, Huron Erie Coalition in carpentry, electronics; a WITT tronics training. Her experience was on Women's Training, OCTTOOW instructor and adult educator. not uncommon: the amazement of (Ontario Committee for Trades, Louise has worked with the Na• having an entirely new world open Technology, Operations, Occupations tional Network on a variety of unto her, and the frustration of for Women) and Open Doors. projects over the last several years. trying to get that first job. Maggie has been involved with Louise played an integral role in It was at the Naramata the National Network since 1988, writing our sector council proposal, conference in 1988 that Maggie's participating as an Advisory Commit• and carries much of the responsibil•

commitment to WITT issues was tee representative and regional repre-( ity for it's success.

JUNE 1994 WITT National Newsletter Page 5 Construcfront

Les 27, 28, 29 octobre dernier, se • Considerant que la qualite de la un comite multipartite qui veillera a tenait a Dorval un "Sommet sur main d'oeuvre feminine est maintenant etablir des mecanismes pour favoriser l'industrie de la construction", convo- reconnu comme facteur contribuant a l'integration des femmes a cette Indus• que par l'ex-ministre du travail, la qualite totale; trie. Normand Cherry. Tel que nous vous • Considerant la responsabilite Isabelle Dugre l'avions annonce, F.R.O.N.T. et sociale des intervenants a refleter la Plombiere et vice-presidente de C.I.A.F.T. etaient invites. Nous parta- realite mouvante du marche du travail; F.R.O.N.T. gions un siege a la table centrale, aux cotes des centrales syndicales et des II est propose: Le communique de presse suivant organismes patronaux. que soit inscrit dans la loi une a ete emis a la suite de cette premiere Lors des allocutions d'ouverture, clause de convention collective manche remportee par et pour les nous avons clairement annonce nos favorisant l'acces des femmes et de femmes de l'industrie de la construction. couleurs. Therese Ste-Marie, de creer un comite responsable du C.I.A.F.T. a brosse un tableau de la developpement des mecanismes qui COMMUNIQUE situation des femmes dans l'industrie permettront l'acces, le maintien et Dorval, 29 octobre 1993 de la construction en plus de deposer l'augmentation des femmes dans C'est avec beaucoup d'emotion un memoire. En tant que representante l'industrie. que les travailleuses de la construction de F.R.O.N.T. et travailleuse de la • Ce comite aura pour mandat ont accueilli la decision unanime des construction, l'auteur de ces lignes a premier de soumettre aux partenaires participants au Sommet sur l'industrie explique avec des exemples concrets un programme cadre d'acces a l'egalite de la construction d'adopter une propo• les difficultes que nous rencontrons d'emploi dont l'application sera sition a l'effet que les partenaires de pour exercer ces metiers. Void done la negociee en fonction de la capacite de l'industrie s'engagent a negocier une proposition que nous avons depose mise en oeuvre de chacun des secteurs. clause de convention collective favori• lors de cette rencontre. • Ce comite devra faire partie sant l'acces des femmes et de creer un integrante de l'organisme qui sera comite responsable du developpement PROPOSITION AVANT appele a gerer l'application de la des mecanismes qui permettront L'AMENDEMENT convention collective. l'acces, le maintien et l'augmentation • Considerant que les femmes des femmes dans l'industrie. representent 44% de la main d'oeuvre Le jeudi 28, la CSN construction a Quand on fait allusion a l'emotion active au Quebec et moins de .001% demande que notre proposition soit des travailleuses de la construction de dans l'industrie de la construction; debattue. Tout le monde accepte. La voir leurs partenaires poser un geste • Considerant qu'il existe 7 FTQ propose alors de faire un allant dans le sens de la reconnaissance femmes compagnons dans Tensemble amendement: remplacer "que soit de leur droit d'acceder a l'industrie, il de l'industrie sur les 152 travailleuses inscrit dans la loi", par "que les parties fait comprendre combien les pionnieres, detenant des cartes de competence; s'engagent a negocier". qu'elles soient grutieres, mecaniciennes • Considerant la difficulty des A notre grand bonheur, la de chantier ou plombieres, ont vecu non femmes a obtenir des cartes d'occupa- proposition est acceptee a l'unanimite. pas des moments mais des annees tion compte tenu de l'exigence de (Pour la petite histoire, soulignons que difficiles. On parle de demarches garantie d'emploi de 150 heures; ce hit la premiere proposition a rallier d'inscription a des cours ou on prend • Considerant les difficultes tout les participants du Sommet. "Les pour acquis que madame inscrit son d'embauche vecues par les femmes; femmes, e'est bien la seule chose que mari, on parle de centaines d'applica- • Considerant l'augmentation de nous ayons en commun" blaguait-ils.) tions pour se trouver un emploi, on parle la presence feminine dans tous les H fait souligner que cette rencon• d'embauche ou le contremaitre refuse secteurs d'emplois traditionnellement tre nous a permis d'etablir des liens l'acces au chantier a une candidate parce reserves aux hommes et la diminution avec les syndicats et les associations qu'il ne veut pas de femmes dans son paradoxale des femmes dans l'indus• patronales. Certaines d'entres elles se equipe, on parle de femmes de metier trie de la construction sont montrees tres interesses a travailler qui se font dire qu'elles ne sont pas assez • Considerant la mentalite plutot en collaboration avec notre fortes, ou grandes ou resistantes... quand conservatrice du milieu; regroupeNous sommes done allees pourtant elles ont fait leurs preuves • Considerant que le Colloque chercher des gains appreciables. lis ne ailleurs. quebecois des femmes en emplois non peuvent plus desormais nous ignorer. A force de determination, elles traditionnels, tenu en novembre 1992, a Malgre que la loi 142 soit venue reussissent a se qualifier, a se trouver un conclu de la pertinence du maintien defaire tout les consensus obtenus a ce emploi et les employeurs qui les embau- des moyens coercitifs pour favoriser Sommet, nous ne lachons pas prise. chent vantent leurs merites et sont Faeces des femmes a l'industrie; Nous travaillons presentement a etablir reticents a laisser partir. 4

Page 6 WITT National Newsletter / JUNE 1994 j Construction Project Breaks Ground

March 18 was a special day for ment Equity through MBS budgets. Le premier projet de pro• all Ontarians dedicated to employment Three of the government's capital gramme d'equite dans le equity. In Niagara Falls Ontario a projects were selected to be demonstra• secteur construction volt le ground breaking ceremony took place tion projects, and employment equity jour at the site of the Ontario Government's components that the successful new head office for the Ministry of contractor would agree to comply with Louise Nichol du Ontario Culture, Tourism and Recreation. were developed. The committee Network of Women in Trades and This building is extra special in developed a total of 16 contractual Technology (Reseau ontarien des that it is the first of three pilot projects requirements and program activities. femmes dans les metiers et les taking place in Ontario to come under The requirements encompass a Decla• technologies) presente le premier the provincial government's "Equity in ration of Commitment, including de trois projets pihtes ontariens Construction" program. It is expected harassment prevention policies, qui s'inscrivent dans le pro• that the experience of the pilot projects training on EE, and creating opportuni• gramme "£quite' en construction" will provide practical steps and ties for designated group members. du gouvernement de cette workable solutions for making em• This group recognized early in province. Le nouveau siege social ployment equity happen in Ontario's the process, that an ongoing commit• du Ministere de la culture, du Construction industry. ment to equity education would be a tourisme et de la recreation a Legislated employment equity very necessary piece of the plan. An Niagara Falls devient ainsi le cannot work in the construction sector education sub-committee was struck, premier chantier de construction without the support and advice of the and a 45 minute "Building Equity" oil les efforts concedes du key players in the industry, including Workshop was developed in partner• "Minister's External Advisory the social action groups. In order to be ship with the EE Commissioners office. Committee" (ComitS consultant responsive to the unique aspects of the This "user friendly" education package ministerial externe) seront construction environment, a "Minis• which includes a video will soon be d£ploy6s pour s'assurer de ter's External Advisory Committee" ready for distribution. To date, several I'appui et des conseils de tous les was set up to help develop and support EE Orientation Sessions have already partenaires de cette industrie. Ce the Equity in Construction employ• taken place comite est responsable de ment equity projects. The government is currently in /'elaboration du programme The Minister's External Advisory the process of hiring an EE On-Site d'equite qui comprend 16 exigen• Committee is made up of representa• person for the Niagara Falls project. ces et activites contractuelles tion from key stakeholders, including: This person will liaise between all the auxquelles devra se soumettre le Ontario Network of Women in Trades interested groups, coordinate training, contracteur qui se vena attribuer and Technology; Provincial Building and assist the contractor in meeting the I'un des trois contrats. Le comite Construction Trades; Employers; EE criteria. a etabli la necessite dfy inclure un Canadian Construction Association; The next 2 projects to incorporate volet educatif et a developpe un Council of Ontario Construction the "Equity in Construction" compo• atelier de sensibilisation a I'equite Associations; Community Colleges; nents will be courthouses in Windsor en matiere d'emploi. Le gouver• Disabled People for Employment and Bramption. The committee expects nement s'apprete a engager une Equity; The Organization of Black to build on the EE components as they personne qui verra a assurer la Tradesmen in Ontario; Ontario Metis move through the projects, and gain liaison entre les different groupes and Aboriginal Association; Alliance valuable information that will assist in concerned, a coordonner la for Employment Equity; Association of the ultimate goal of attaining equitable formation et a assister le Architects; Consulting Engineers of construction sites in Ontario. contracteur a se conformer aux Ontario; National Associations; as well exigences du programme d'equite. Les deux autres projets as government representatives from Louise Nichol pilotes seront les chantiers des Management Board Secretariat, which Ontario Network of Women in Trades Palais de justice de Windsor et de is responsible for the design and and Technology Brampton ou le comite espere construction of buildings. This Advi• Member of the Minister's External peaufiner le programme pour sory Committee has been meeting Advisory Committee regularly since June of 1992. atteindre I'objectif ultime de I'equite sur tous les chantiers de The mandate of this committee is construction de I'Ontario. to advise on how to advance Employ•

Page 8 WITT National Newsletter / JUNE 1994 j Collaboration Syndicale

En mars 1992, se tenait le premier plus precisement, la discrimination programmes gouvernementaux, gens Colloque quebecois de femmes en systemique. d'affaires, evenements speciaux, etc.) et emploi non traditionnels. Cette pre• A titre d'exemple F.R.O.N.T. se prepare a mettre en branle son plan miere rencontre permettait aux tra- etait present au sommet de la construc• d'attaque. II prevoit done, des novem• vaiEeuses et intervenantes concernees tion qui s'est tenu les 27,28,29 octobre bre, entreprendre un travail de sollicita- d'affirmer leur volonte commune de derniers. II s'agissait d'abord pour elles tion aupres des differents bailleurs de mettre sur pied un organisme provin• de convaincre tous les partenaires assis fonds. En mars et avril, il mettra au cial qui les represente. Suivait done, en a la table de la necessite de leur faire pointe une campagne de levee de fonds novembre 92, le Colloque de fondation une place dans les debats. Et puisque qui se voudra tres large, laquelle se de femmes regroupees en option non leurs preoccupations n'apparaissaient deroulera en mai et juin. Toute contri• traditionnelles (F.R.O.N.T.) pas au cahier des travaux, elles devai- bution est, cependant, bienvenue des Ne d'abord du desir des femmes ent, d'entree de jeu pour se faire maintenant. qui exercent des metiers entendre, aller chercher l'accord Enfin, nous tenons a souligner le tradionellement reserves aux hommes unanime des intervenants a ce Sommet. lien privilegie qu'entretient la CSN, par de construire un font reseau d'echange Ce qui fut fait. Elles ont ainsi put faire le biais du Comite national de condi• et de complicite afin de se sentir moins adopter une proposition ou les parties tion feminine, avec le Regroupement. seules, ce regroupement veut egale- se sont engagees a negocier des Nous avons, des mars 1992, ete des ment etre un outil collectif qui leur mesures favorisant l'acces, le maintien premiers debats et occupons permettent a la fois de changer les et l'augmentation des femmes dans presentement un poste au Conseil mentalites, de promouvoir leur interets l'industrie, et pour ce faire, la mise sur d'administration. A l'instar de le CSN- et de defendre leur droit, tant aux pied d'un comite change de travailler a Construction qui a pris l'initiative de niveaux, politique, economique, social l'elaboration d'un programme cadre soumettre une proposition afin qu'une que juridique. d'acces a l'egalite pour les femmes place leur soit faite dans les debats, Se disant que lTieure n'est plus dans ce secteur d'activite. nous les avons appuyees dans leur aux debats ideologiques, a savoir si les Ainsi, F.R.O.N.T. prend peu a demarche au Sommet de la Construc• femmes ont leur place ou non dans les peu son envoi. Aussi s'est-il donne une tion. En fait, s'agit ici d'un lien de corps d'emplois qui, jusqu'a mainte- structure de fonctionnement ou 1'on reciprocite, car nous avons autant nant, ont ete occupes en grand majo- retrouve trois categories de membres: besoin d'elles qu'elles ont besoin de rite, sinon exclusivement par des •membre individuelle: tout nous. hommes - debat qui tend a ressurgir en femme occupant ou voulant occuper D'une part, il s'agit pour nous de ces temps de recession et de change- un emploi non traditionnel; rejoindre des femmes qui entrent sur le ments structurels sociaux et economi- •membre intervenante: toute marche du travail et qui, tot ou tard ques - des "femmes non trads" ont femme travaillant a la promotion, a la (mais de preference plus tot que decide de s'organiser. Pour ce faire, formation, a Integration et au soutien tard!!!), seront sensibilisees a la realite elles ont decide, dans un premier de femmes occupant ou voulant syndicale, laquelle devrait constituer temps, d'amener les femmes a se occuper un emploi non traditionnel; pour elles un lieu prioritaire d'echange rencontrer et a echanger entre elles, ceci •membre associe: tout organisme et de solidarite et un levier important au moyen de la diffusion d'un bulletin regroupant des femmes en emploi non de reconnaissance et de defense de leur de liaison et par le regroupement des traditionnels ou tout organisme droits. Dautre part, il s'agit d'entrer en organismes locaux et regionaux travaillant directement ou contact avec des femmes qui, bien que existants, voire eventuellement, la indirectement a la formation et a la syndiquees, eprouvent quelques multiplication de ceux-ci. Dans un promotion des femmes dans des difficultes a se faire entendre dans leurs deuxieme temps, elles comptent emplois non traditionnels. propres syndicats. Car, comme on le intervenir aupres des differents acteurs II va sans dire que celles qui sait, les messages, et de surcroit, les sociaux (entreprises, syndicats, ecoles, detiennent la majorite des votes sont nouvelles idees qui entraihent des gouvernements) pour qu'ils travaillent des membres individuelles. transformation profondes, mettent a faciliter rinsertion, le maintien et De plus, il s'avere imperieux souvent du temps a se traduire en l'epanouissement des femmes dans des pour elles, a tres court terme, de volontes politiques concretes. emplois non traditionnels. Enfin, elles developper de bonnes assises financie- Quant aux "femmes non trad", desirent faire porter leurs action plus res, ce qui, au risque de servir encore elles savent qu'elles ont interet a largement afin que leurs revendications une fois une verite de Lapalisse lorsque developper avec nous des liens de penetre la societe quebecoise, ceci en nous abordons ce sujet, n'est pas facile. confiance, puisque nous sommes promouvant l'acces a l'egalite et Le comite des finances inventorie placees aux premieres loges pour I'equite en emploi pour les femmes pesentement toutes les sources de influer sur les comportements et les "non trads", et en denongant tout financement auxquelles il pense i mentalites qui prevalent au sein de pratique discriminatoire a leur egard, possible de faire appel (ex: fondations, * (Continued on Page 18)

JUNE 1994 WITT National Newsletter Page 9 Equity in Apprenticeship

Marcia Braundy "Equity in Apprenticeship" - It exploratory courses based on the WITT membership, and the majority of them sounds right, like it should be a given at model, and preparatory training for are white, male and over 40. this stage in our development as a employers and co-workers. Some provinces have developed democratic nation, 10 years after • A year ago, the Forum of great 5 year plans, but have since Canada's Royal Commission on Equity Ministers with Responsibilities for shelved them. In B.C., it was only when in Employment, and 8 years after a Labour Market Issues identified women made up a critical mass in national/interprovincial study of apprenticeship revitalization and Cabinet that the political will was in apprenticeship clearly identified the low equity in apprenticeship as priority place to ensure designated group participation of women as an area that issues. There has been a flurry of representation on the Apprenticeship needed to be addressed in our country. activity, mostly in areas of increasing Board. Alberta has publicly dug in its Unfortunately, there is little "equity" in the numbers of apprenticeable trades. heels, insisting that Journeyman, apprenticeship: systemic barriers to the They also commissioned a study of Tradesmen, and Manpower are the effective recruitment, selection, hiring initiatives undertaken by government, only acceptable terms, and that role- and retention of women, visible minori• employers and unions, in all provinces models in their audio/visual materials ties, aboriginal people and people with to increase equity in apprenticeship are not important. Others are aware disabilities, are entrenched. • The CLFDB National Appren• that children and young adults form • In 1980, Lloyd Axworthy, then ticeship Committee will be publishing very clear ideas of acceptable career Minister of EIC, now Minister of a formal discussion paper from some choices for their gender based on HRDC, identified a need for skills of the "Best practices" of the above language and what they see around training, as the skilled workforce was study to serve as background to its them. aging training was not taking place at a recommendations for increasing Sometimes I recognize that the rate to replace them, and technological designated group representation. wheels of government grind slowly. changes were having an impact on the All of this seems like a tremen• And then once in a while, I see some knowledge and skill sets required for dous amount of studies and recom• real change taking place, and know many jobs. mendations, a great deal of effort, and that it would not occur were we not at • In 1989, the CLMPC National to what end? The Apprenticeship the table. Task Force on Apprenticeship called for system has been slow to respond. Both Ontario and British Colum• increased efforts to change the low Moving change forward takes political bia have begun to take up the chal• participation rates of all designated will, and as one white-haired business lenge. They have planned or started groups in apprenticeship training, and agent once told a group of EE profes• "Diversity Training" for their appren• cited the need for financial support for sionals: "I have to represent my ticeship counsellors and industrial

EQUITE EN MATIERE DE FORMATION PROFESSIONNELLE

Dix ans apres la tenue d'une manque de releve de travailleurs bouger qu'au moment ou les femmes Commission royale d'enquete cana- specialises avait ete identifie; en 1989, le ont forme la masse critique au sein du dienne sur I'equite en matiere d'emploi message etait toujours le meme et le gouvernement. et huit ans apres une pan-canadienne "CLMPC National Task Force on Oii done sont ces acquis dont on sur la formation professionnelle qui Apprenticeship" decriait le besoin fait tant etat? identifiait clairement l'absence des urgent d'accroitre la participation de L'Ontario et la Colombie femmes dans ce secteur d'etude, la tous les groupes cibles a la formation Britanique sont indubitablement les discrimination systemique a l'egard du professionnelle, de debloquer des cheffes de file leur "formation en recrutement, de la selection et de fonds pour des cours d'exploration diversite" offerte aux conseilleurs en 1'embauche des femmes, des minorites bases sur le modele de ceux con^us par formation professionnelle et aux visibles des autochtones et des person- WITT et des sessions de sensibilisation consultants industriels. Les projets nes handicapees est toujours pour les employeurs et les collegues de d'acces a la formation professionnelle fermement ancree dans notre societe travail pour faciliter l'integration des pour les femmes d'Ontario ciblent democratique. femmes. Ces constats ont genere un maintenant le milieu communautaire et le font souvent avec la collaboration de Marcia Braundy nous fait nombre impressionnant d'etudes et de groupes WITT de la region. La l'historique des acquis des dix dernie- recommandations, mais ce n'est que la Colombie Britanique s'apprete a res annees en soulignant ceux qui se volonte politique qui donne des emboiter le pas dans ce genre d'initia- sont averes des voeux pieux et dont les resultats tangibles. En Colombie tive. Le gouvernement de cette pro- resultats se font attendre. Des 1980, le Britanique, les chose n'ont commence a

Page 10 WITT National Newsletter . JUNE 1994 training consultants. to address historic barriers. To date, industry and a stronger expression of Ontario Women's Access to only the initial sensitization training political will from all responsible for Apprenticeship Projects have moved has taken place. moving the issues forward. from "Demonstration" to integration Alberta Career Development has WITT is able and willing to help. status in their apprenticeship delivery supported the implementation of an Saskatchewan, Manitoba and B.C. system. The province has introduced industrial based "BRIDGES" program recognize the value of our assistance, community based projects to work to move women from clerical into and have WITT representatives on their with the designated groups. Women's technical occupations. This has been Apprenticeship Boards. In many Access Coordinators often work with integrated into Syncrude's operational communities local WITT groups have local WITT groups to ensure that the policies, and women now make up sponsored some of the best and most support is there when needed. about 20% of their trades and opera• effective exploratory programs. Local The British Columbia Appren• tional workforce. In fact, women WITTs have developed and imple• ticeship Board has called for an comprise 25% of their heavy equip• mented many successful role-model• adaptation of Ontario's community ment operators. Where there is a will, ling programs, which assist positive based model, and the government has there is a way! image campaigns and help to ensure just announced increased training Saskatchewan has had an equity that young women learn how to use opportunities, with an emphasis on plan since 1989 which may now be tools and machinery. Two excellent designated groups, in the public sector. more effectively implemented given examples are GETT Camps, where girls Elsewhere in the country? their work on the Canadian Council of have fun while building and racing go- New Brunswick has a 7 month Directors of Apprenticeship. Some carts, and "She's Making Choices", a period for a project to demonstrably programs have been modified for more video purchased by the Saskatchewan change the representation of women in direct entry of aboriginal people into Ministry of Education for distribution apprenticeship in the Miramichi. While apprenticeships. A northern Appren• within the school system. the intent is admirable, the time frame ticeship Board is also being set up to It is clear that the potential for may be a little ambitious. serve this end. It is not yet clear if there success is increased with WITT women Newfoundland has produced a will be gender equity guidelines in the planning process. Our participa• "Blueprint for Skills Development" included in this activity. tion is crucial to the effective integra• which includes sensitization interven• These are all small bits and tion of women from all designated tions for instructors and apprenticeship pieces. A major effort is essential, and groups into apprenticeship training, staff, initiatives to increase recruitment all need a clearer commitment from and to trades, technical and operational and retention, and preparatory courses employment.

vince vient de negocier une clause ete implante; le programme "Bridges" sont actifs et ont developpe et implante d'equite en matiere d'emploi dans les qui permet aux femmes de passer des programmes de sensibilisation, de ententes de Island Highway et de d'un emploi traditionnel a un emploi modeles feminins, d'image positive et Allied Hydro Construction. Cette non traditionnel a l'interieur d'une de demystification de 1'apprentissage clause aura preseance sur toute autre meme entreprise a ete implante chez des outils et de la machinerie. Les clause d'embauche preferencielle. Le Syncrude dans le nord de 1'Alberta camps GETT (Filles explorant les comite d'equite dans le secteur cons• avec le support du gouvernement de metiers et les technologies), ou des truction d'Ontarion a developpe un cette province. Cette industrie est jeunes filles construisent et participent a ensemble de reglements qui vont devenue le chef de file avec 20% de une course de "go-cart" et un video clairement dans la bonne direction femmes parmi leur personnel specia• intitule "She's Making Choices" (Elle mais leur application se situe dans une lise. 25% des operateurs-es de machi- fait ses choix) realise en Saskatchewan zone grise... nerie lourde sont des femmes chez et achete par le Ministere de l'education Le Nouveau Brunswick a Syncrude! de cette province, sont deux excellents developpe un projet qui s'etend sur WITT continue a jouer son role. exemples de produits de qualite concus, sept mois dans la region de Miramichi Dans les provinces de Saskatchewan, developpes par des groupes WITT. II pour augmenter la participation des du Manitoba et de Colombie est evident toutes les initiatives en femmes en formation professionnelle; Britanique, une representante de WITT matiere d'acces a la formation profes• Terre-Neuve a produit un "Schema siege sur les conseils de formation sionnelle sont rehaussees par la partici• pour le developpement de competen• professionnelle. Dans de nombreuse,s pation de travailleuses en emplois non ces" dont seul le volet sensibilisation a communautes les groupes regionaux traditionnejs.

JUNE 1994 WITT National Newsletter Page 11 Keeping Our WITTS About Us

Lower Mainland WITT nomination form for a provincial/ province attended five days of training By Anabelle Paxton regional representative, and an alter• and are now prepared to work in their in the last few months, Lower nate. It is extremely important that all own communities with girls in the Mainland WITT has had several meet• women in Ontario that are working, Grade 7, 8, and 9 age groups. ing to set up a Society. The former WITT training or advocating in trades, tech• SaskWITT-Regina has again group called "Vancouver Women in nology, operations and blue collar received some equity funding from Trades" folded in the mid 80s. Lower work (TTO/BCW) get a chance to vote ATCoG to promote trade concepts for Mainland WITT has been a support on the new representation of our prov• young women. We are intending to group since 1990. LM WITT decided ince at the national level. travel to 3 or 4 communities to deliver that having society status would allow The role of the provincial/ Spend-A-Day camps in local schools. us to apply for grants and raise our regional representative is an important Two communities have already profile in the community. We should one, this representative will sit on the arranged a camp. have society status by the next news• Advisory Committee of the WITT Proceeds from video sales are letter. Four directors have been ap• National Network, and advise on the being used to fund another Speakers pointed, and within one year, we will strategies of the National Coordinator Bureau for Grade 7 and 8 classes in have our first election for coordinators. and the two new Administrators. Regina. The aim is for our members to Thanks goes to Alice McPherson who The next provincial meeting is act as visible "Role Models" to stu• has been a great help with providing us scheduled for 1 pm June 25th, Room 2 dents by visiting classrooms in uniform with the former WIT Society Act. We of the North York Central Library at and delivering a one-hour workshop have gone through it line by line and 5120 Yonge St, North York. For further using the lesson plans from our made some changes. information call Diane Brundage 1-905- Educator's Package. 775-6302 evenings. SIAST-Wascana Campus is j Liz Inglis has agreed to begin sponsoring a WITT evening course. ONTARIO UPDATE - collecting information and material for This Introductory Trades Course for 12 Louise Nichol & Diane Brundage an ONWITT Archive. We feel it is women in the Regina area is a 36 hour ONWITT has a rolling momen• important to start documenting the course delivered over six weeks and tum that seems to be gaining speed herstory of women in TTO/BCW in will give women an opportunity to these days. One of the main reasons for Ontario. Please forward anything you learn basic trade skills in 5 different all of the action is our pride and excite• have to liz at: 36 Barksdale Ave, trade shops. It is designed to provide ment about Maggie McDonald's accla• Downsview, Ontario, M3H 4S5 women with an opportunity to explore mation as the NEW Coordinator of the There is currently ONWTTT training options in trades and gain a WITT National Network. Congratula• representation on several provincial realistic understanding of the physical, tions Maggie! committees that deal directly with our emotional and academic requirements So far this year ONWITT has had issues. It is essential that our collective of training/education and employment two provincial meetings, held at the voice is heard across the province in trades. If interested in taking this Toronto Reference Library, March 26 wherever decisions are being made that course in the fall, contact the Registrar's and May 7. At the meeting in March, an effect our training and employment. Office at Wascana Institute and ask to interim Advisory Committee was struck Everyone interested in being an be put on a waitlist. to coordinate ONWITT's efforts until ONWTTT Advocate needs to come after the Halifax Conference, At this forward and get involved. There is a time a new provincial structure will be place for you, and we need you now. Kamloops WITT put into place, with representation from Since last May, Kamloops WITT all areas of Ontario. (Contact Louise has been involved in a number of Nichol or Maggie McDonald for the SASKWITT projects. The first project to be taken name of the representative in your area.) In May of last year, SaskWITT- on was the start of a WITT Exploratory This current advisory committee Regina partnered with SIAST - program at the University College of is working hard to try and find funding Wascana Campus to sponsor 13 Spend- the Cariboo. We set up an advisory to help send as many women as possi• A-Day GETT camps for 170 Grade 7 committee for UCC, and began ble to the Halifax Conference, as well as girls. meeting in September of 1993. The project funding to run a provincial of• In addition to the delivery of the course started March 7th, 1994 and is fice. camps, another dimension of the jointly sponsored by Canada Employ• To ensure that women through• project was the inclusion of Instructor ment and the Ministry of Social out the province have proper repre• Training for WITT women throughout Services. 16 women are studying life sentation, the committee is working out the province. With a grant from the skills, work issues, and spending a the details of a provincial/regional SIAST Education Equity Committee/'8 week in each of 7 different trade or structure document, which includes a women from various points in the technology »reas. These include

Page 12 WITT National Newsletter , JUNE 1994 welding, construction, plumbing and women are doing with their schooling. Parksville, B.C.. Participants came from gas fitting, computer aided drafting, A list of women who can do job shad• all over B.C., Alberta, and the Yukon, electronics, electrical, and small engine owing is being developed for the numbering approximately 130 women mechanics. Most weeks are being school district. We are also looking at and advocates. The conference was a instructed by local tradeswomen as getting some local publicity to find huge success, and it was wonderful to guest instructors. This is a pilot project, more local women in TTO's. Kate meet so many women from different but plans are being made for a course Pelletier of BCIT and the WITT Na• walks of life - with many different job to run again next September. tional Network have contributed re• profiles - all with the same goal of UCC has also sent an application sources listings to provide us with an increasing women's ability to choose to the Ministry of Women's Equality to updated list of videos and books suit• their own path and stick to it! fund a GETT camp at UCC this sum- ' able for lending. Current discussion Due to internal problems in the mer. Tentative plans are for 3 groups amongst WITT members centres on late summer, we decided to hire a of 10 girls to spend a week building go- getting a grant to work further to en• mediator to help us learn about conflict karts. courage young women to enter TTO's. resolution. Over two emotional and A partnership has been formed One exciting possibility is a series of inspiring evenings we learned how to with School District #24, which in• advertisements. Kamloops WITT is deal with anger so it doesn't become cludes Kamloops and the surrounding assisted by the Kamloops Women's destructive, how to say what you feel area. Irene Rothenburger, a coordina• Resource Centre. without offending, and how to agree to tor with the school district has received disagree. Resolving future conflicts will a grant to set up a one day conference be formalized as an issue within the for high school girls to explore trades Report from Nova Scotia goals of the Policy Committee. and technology. A teacher's package to This is a very busy time for Our guest at the annual general support this was developed from mate• W.I.T.T.N.S. The National Conference meeting in September was Ms. Shirley rial gathered by WITT. Along with is about to start and we are all looking Holloway, who is the first woman to this, the school district and WITT are forward to seeing old friends and meet• hold the office of Dean of Trades and issuing a joint publication - a newslet• ing new ones. The Nova Scotia Plan• Technologies at Victoria's Camosun ter aimed at all high school girls. The ning Committee and W.I.TT.N.S. are College. She gave us an informative first issue, to be distributed just before working very hard making sure every• talk on the "Changing Faces in Trades the conference, is a series of interviews thing is ready when our guests arrive. and Technology." with local TTO women. This issue also Participation in our monthly Participation is a key to any includes some salary comparisons, meetings has grown with the attention society's survival, and in early Febru• cartoons, and an article on apprentice• to the conference. It has proven to be ary of '94 about 17 women (half of our ships. Future issues will each focus on an excellent forum for creating new membership) got together for a one trade or technology area, and offer interest in our group and I feel positive weekend retreat - to confirm who we information on prerequisites, required that this will continue after the confer• area as a society and what we want to training, where the training is available, ence. We have fundraising, promo• accomplish in the coming year. With current salary ranges, expected job tional and educational work to be the help of a hired facilitator we futures, interviews with tradeswomen done. Busy times ahead for confirmed our society's mandate and in that field, and different opportuni• W.I.TT.N.S. and I will keep you prioritized our many issues and ties within the field. It is hoped to posted. commitments to five main goals. On make these newsletters available to Congratulations to Leslie advice from the facilitator we pared the other school districts or WITT groups. Nicholson on the arrival of Jessele five down to three goals for this year: If you would be willing to be inter• (Note from typesetter: I think 1) Post-conference commitments viewed for this newsletter or would that last line is Jesselene but it could (to become educational goals after like a copy, please leave a message for be Tesselene).. June/94) Cari, at 372-0732. 2) Raising the profile of SIWiTT Other than this, we have been 3) Policy making kept busy doing information nights at South Island WITT It was suggested that the brain• UCC and job counselling. CBC radio By Mame Bate storming retreat process be repeated interviewed some members, and aired An enterprising and energetic yearly to cover new areas of interest. the interview International Women's year has passed for SIWITT. In January, Representatives from many of Day. A support group has formed for we dissolved the name Victoria WITT Victoria's women-oriented groups female vocational students at UCC. and renamed our society the South (including ours) have been meeting for UCC is supporting this with a counsel• Island WITT. a few months, discussing the possibil- lor to lead the group. Current issues In May, after much planning, we are discussed, along with how the hosted a Regional WITT Conference in n (Continued on Page 18) L_ JUNE 1994 WITT National Newsletter J Page 13 J The activities and overall direction of the Network are Kent-Lambton Women in Trades,Technology,Operations and undertaken by an advisory committee made up of representa• Blue Collar Work (TTO\BCW) tives of each of the five regions who work to encourage local and R.R.#1, West Lome, Ont. N0L 2P0 provincial organizations. Rebecca Kriefalusi B-WITT - Brantford WITT c/o Donna Noble, 230 Clarence Street, Brantford, ON N3R 3T5 Ph:Donna 756-7687 or Karen 752-2120 REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES London Women in Trades and Technology Network PACIFIC: Anabelle Paxton (604) 255-4565 8 St. Patrick St., London, Ont. N6H 11'3 Ph:(519)439-7743: Maggie McDonald PRAIRIE: Erin Linington (204) 772-6591 Thunder Bay WITT ONTARIO: Maggie McDonald ((519) 439-7743 155 Oak Avenue, Thunder Bay, Ont. P7B 4W3 ATLANTIC: Kate Harrison (902) 463-2784 Fh: (807)767-3822: LoisTilson QUEBEC ALLIANCE Organization of Black Tradesmen and Tradeswomen of Ontario 22 College St., Suite 104, Toronto, Ont. M5G 1Y6 Helene de Montigny (514) 646-9060 Ph:(416)921-5120 MBWITT 656 Kingsway Avenue, Winnipeg, Man. R3N 0H2 Some WITT Organizations & Alliances Ph:(204)772-65191: Erin Linington * (* Indicates Newsletter) SASKWITT—Regina 3524 Victoria, Regina, Sask. S4T 1 Ml Newfoundland WITT Ph:(306)522-4157: Denise Needham * P.O. Box 213118, St. Johns, NFLDA1B4J9 I'h:(709)754-3670 Fax:(709)726-1831: Brenda Crzetic Alberta Women in Trades and Technology R.R.#6, Box 4, Site 5, Edmonton, Alberta T5B 4K3 WITT Nova Scotia Ph:(403)475-4279: Tammy Lee Becker General Delivery, Enfield NS BON 1N0 Calgary WITT l,h:(902)883-2065: Brenda Daniels * 707 Radcliffe Rd. SE, Calgary, AB T2A 6C1 NBWITT - New Brunswick WITT Ph: (403)235-4619: Candy Korecki 71 Asied Street, Saint John, NB E2N 1G3 Kootenay Women in Trades and Technology Ph:(506)696-2845 R.R.#1, Winlaw, B.C. V0G 2J0 FRONT (Femmes Regroupees) Ph:(604)352-3872: Sherry Nicholson 81 rue St-Jean, Longueuil, Que. J4H 2W8 Ph:(514)670-7866 Fax:(514)646-9060: Helene de Montigny* Kamloops WITT 817 Columbia Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2V7 WISE Ph:(6()4)372-0732: Cari Beckett 6519B Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ont. L5N 1A6 Ph:(416)567-9757 Fax:(416)567-7191 Vancouver WITT Apt.] 10-2254 McGill Street, Vancouver, BC V5L1C4 ONWITT Ph:(604)255-4565: Anabelle Paxton 8 St. Patrick Street, London, Ont. N6H 1P3 Ph:(519) 439-7743: Maggie McDonald SCWIST Resource Centre #140-515 W. Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3 OWITT Ph:(604)291-5163 Fax:(604)291-5112 E-Mail (Inter Net) R.R.#1, White Lake, Ont. K0J1L0 [email protected] Ph:(613)623-3816: Bettina Baum Lower Mainland WITT United Trades Women Apt.l 10-2254 McGill Street, Vancouver, BC V5L1C4 2904 Concession 8, Bowmanville, Ont. L1C 3K6 Ph:416)263- Anabelle Paxton 2364: Judy Mitchell South Island WITT QUINTE WITT 2271 Benko Road, R.R.#1, Mill Bay, B.C. V0R 1P0S R.R.#4, Stirling, Ont. K0K 3E0 Ph:(604)474-1128: Kim Greenhough Natalie Moroz-Cornell Sunshine Coast WIT WEMA(Women's Emergency Medical Alliance) S2, C18, RR#1, Gibsons, B.C. VON 1V0 51 Cayuga Avenue, Toronto, Ont. M6N 2G2 Ph:(604)886-3654: Judie Myers Ph:(416)761-1908: Donna Antonenko Yukon Territory Bridges Alumna Association P.O. Box 3913, Whitehorse, Yukon Territories Y1A 5M6 290 Coronation Drive, Scarborough, Ont. Ml E 216 Ph:(403)667-3006;399-4715: Betty Irwin Roberta McDowell Northwest Territories WITT Huronia WITT Arctic College, Kitikmeot Campus,P.O.Bag #200, Cambridge Box 1836, Penetang, Ont. L0K 1P0 Bay, NT X0E0C0 Ph:(705)549-3691: Angie Quinlan and Pauline Mancuso * Ph:(403)983-7234 Fax:(403)983-2404: Louise Hickey

Page 14 WITT National Newsletter JUNE 1994 TORONTO ACCESS (Continued from Page 4) We have also been able to help District, to promote women into trades, donne d'excellents resultats aupres laid-off journeywomen get back into technology, blue collar and operation d'employeurs qui se prevalent des the workforce. One success story is Judy job opportunities. For further informa• subventions qui remboursent 100% du Mitchell, an organizer of the United tion concerning the AAP, please call salaire pour les premiers 6 mois et 90% Trades Women WITT group in the our coordinating office at (416) 285- du salaire pour les 6 mois suivants. Ces Durham Region. Judy had been work• 6012. programmes ont permis de placer six ing for the past seven years for Ontario mecaniciennes, une plombiere, une Hydro, at the Darlington Nuclear Plant technicienne en electronique, une in Pickering, Ontario, as both an Indus• imprimeure, etc... Le travail se fait trial Electrician and Construction Un rapport sur la projet d'acces aussi aupres du departement de Maintenance Electrician. In the spring a la formation professionnelle 1'equite en matiere d'emploi du of 1993 she was one of many who we let dans la region de Toronto Developpement des ressources humai- go during the major cuts at Ontario nes Canada pour aider les employeurs Hydro. During October 1993 we Le "Access to Apprenticeship sous-traitants a explorer les strategies became aware of a first class manufac• Project" (Projet d'acces a la formation qui permettent aux femmes d'acceder turing facility that was looking for professionnelle) de la region de aux emplois non traditionnels. Des individuals who possess drive, initiative Toronto vient d'etre renomme et demarches sont aussi faites pour aider and commitment that will ensure the restructure pour inclure tous membres des travailleuses qui ont ete mises a company's continued success, to du Groupe en matiere d'equite (fem• pied suite a des coupures a reintegrer le function as Operations Technicians. For mes, minorites visible, personnes marche de travail dans les secteurs this job the candidate needed a mini• handicapees, francophones et autochto- d'emplois non traditionnels. mum of three to five years manufactur• nes) tout en dormant priorite a Si ce survol des activites de la' ing experience and certification as a l'accessibilite a la formation profession• region de Toronto en matiere de millwright or industrial electrician and a nelle pour les femmes. Pour maximiser promotion du travail non traditionnel familiarity with PLCs. Judy applied for les efforts concertes et assurer le succes ne vous suffit pas, n'hesitez pas a this job and started going through the du projet, un consortium de promo- communiquer avec nous au (416)285- company's interview process. The five teurs a ete forme et la responsabilite de 6012. step interview process includes an chacun des quatre principaux secteurs interview by a team of employees with d'activites du projet a ete attribue a who the successful candidate would deux consultantses; Diane Brundage work. (auteure de l'article) du Comite de Since December 1993 Judy has formation industrielle pour les regions been working in a very challenging de North York et de York et Mary position as a operations technician McNeil du College Sheridan pour la responsible for equipment operations, mise en marche, Janet Pond du College THUMBS UP! maintenance and modifications, as well George Brown et Jo-Ellen Taylor du as troubleshooting, quality control, College Durham pour la mise en place logistics and area coordination. This d'un reseau, Carol Pickett de departe- The Provincial Appren- company manufactures candy bars ment de la formation professionnelle tship Board of B.C recognizes- (Mars, Snickers, etc), and has a new de "Ontario Training and Adjustment the WITT National Ge• neric Standards and Program sister company in another part of our Board" pour le developpement de Development Guidelines for Toronto District, that manufactures pet programmes et Ajao Modibo du WITT Courses as the basis for care products (Whiskas, Pedigree, etc.). College Centennial assumera la coordination du projet. exploratory trades programs for We are presently working on placing women at every appropriate women into this new manufacturing II s'agit d'un travail de college in the province, on a plant as Materials Handlers/Equipment sensibilisation aupres des employeurs, stable basis. Operators and Operations Technicians. d'elaboration d'une banque de candi• Already we have submitted over a dates qualifiers et de developpement A new WITT group! Our dozen resumes and all candidates have de nouvelles possibilities de formation. numbers are growing. Welcome been to at least one interview. As of Le projet a deja offert des ateliers dans to New Brunswick WITT and March 4,1994, one woman secured a le cadre de deux congres tenus a Debra Parmegiani-Lavric, their full time position with the company and Toronto pour expliquer le nouveau contact person. (See listing 3 women were to 'step two' of the modele de fonctionnement du projet, under WITT Organizations & interview process. faire circuler l'information et partager Alliances) This is a brief overview of what les strategies de mise en marche. Le we are presently doing in the Toronto travail aupres des employeurs a deja

JUNE 1994 WITT National Newsletter f Page 15 Do You Know any Lesbians?

As women's organizations and other progressive groups endeavour to address the diversity of the Canadian community and seek to open themselves to a broad range I'm a Lady down and out of concerns, a frequently invisible minority speaks out. We are lesbians. We are in most Rebar is my trade of your organizations and many of your families. We are your daughters, your sisters, Until the Union turned us down your friends and your mothers. You know us and love us, whether you realize it or not. We knew no pain. We struggle alongside you, often on issues that touch your lives far more than they touch ours. As we have supported you, it is time for you to support us. In Placentia we did train 1. Use the word lesbian often. Use it in conversations with lesbians (it will make For Hibemia Site us feel less invisible), use it in front of other progressive people (it will teach them to use Only when we passed the course it), and use it in front of people who you imagine will drop dead when they hear it (it's Vie found we had to fight. time they got used to the idea). 2. Think about your own sexuality. Examine how you became heterosexual - To Argentia we did go because there is as much or as little "cause" for another woman being a lesbian. Much Happy as could be homophobia is rooted in people's discomfort with their own feelings for people of the To complete the Rebar Course same sex. Get past that and you'll be emotionally ready to be an ally. That only we would see. 3. Don't always claim heterosexual privilege by making it clear you are straight. Try casting a doubt in people's minds about your own sexual orientation every once in Newfoundland Steel trained the best a while. Make it clear that it would be no insult to mistake you for a lesbian. Refer to The women got the GOLD past relationships with women, if you've had any. Refer to lesbian friends (using their It didn't matter about the marks names only if they're comfortable with that). Talk about how any issue under discus• Only the men would go. sion might affect lesbians. If all of this starts people asking you point blank if you are a lesbian, think of creative answers that teach people something. The Union didn't know what they had 4. Don't assume anyone is exclusively heterosexual. Use inclusive language if you Until it was too late J are asking someone whether she has any new romantic interests. If she gets offended, Hibemia only wanted the best help her to look at why she considers it an insult. If your friend is in fact a lesbian, your That they didn't get. choice of words will be a sign to her that you are someone she can talk to. 5. Remember that we're as diverse as you are. We wear Levi's and we wear It's time the union opened their eyes pearls. We come in every shape, size, dis/ability, race colour and age. We are rich and And Hibernia to we are poor. We speak every language. The women passed the Rebar Course 6. Don't require that your lesbian and gay friends behave or look like And have Diplomas TWO heterosexuals in order to be accepted in your social circle or organization. Welcome the flaming queen or the butch lesbian. For some of us our appearance is a part of our We thought the Feds were on our side culture and a strategy to affirm our right to be whomever we are. That's a different TALE 7. Don't assume your kids will grow up to be heterosexual, and don't assume The only thing that matters now your heterosexual friends will all remain that way. Try to make sure there are lesbians EQUITY does prevail. and gay men in your children's lives. Let the people you care about know that whom• ever they chose to love, you will celebrate with them. Sharon Hollett 8. Openly acknowledge the contributions of lesbians to the feminist movement and to local women's organizations. Make it clear that women's services are there to Sharon Hollett is from Shoal offer assistance to lesbians as well as heterosexual women. Make sure this is true in Habour,Nfld. Ballad of Ladies Rebar practice by including training about homophobia for staff members. If funding bodies was selected in the North American balk, fight this discriminatory policy and make it known to your community that it Open Poetry Contest to be pub• exists - don't roll over and play dead. lished by the National Library of 9. Support us in our political struggles as we have supported you in yours. Write Poetry in a book called A Far Off to the Justice Minister and demand Human Rights Act and Charter protection for Place, to be published in this fall. It lesbians and gay men, and send copies to the leaders of the Opposition. Insist that we also came in as a semi-finalist in a be given the same social and employment benefits as heterosexuals. Library of Congress poetry contest. It has often been said about the women's movement that at its most basic, it is about choice, the right of women to choose who they wish to be. Ask yourself this: is there any choice more fundamental than the choice of who to love?

Based on an article by H. Fallding in the OptiMst Lesbian Issues Committee National Action Committee on the Status of Women 57 Mobile Drive, Toronto M4A 2P3 Disponible en francais

Page 16 WITT National Newsletter JUNE 1994 La Fille du Calendrier

"Je suis epinglee pin-up sentais qu'il allait le demander la A chaque foi s que je la rencontre cravachee des creuses paroles du pere- prochaine fois qu'il reviendrait sans (elle est parfois placardee de tout cote), mere dans la vie vecue qui n'a pas son epouse. c'est une tristesse un peu affolante qui d'importance (...) s'empare de moi. Un apres midi, lorsque ces Je n'ai pas de visage. Je ne affames regardaient fameuses "filles", La voir dans les ateliers ou je vais ressens dans. D'une fois l'autre en j'arrivais derriere eux leur disant: "Y'as faire du service, les garages, c'est one miroir oubliee; l'entre-deux l'espoir tu vu le body"!!! Tous croyaient chose a laquelle je m'attend maintenant d'etre desiree. Marquee a la place de evidemment que je parlais d'eux; mais parce que ce sont des hommes qui 1'objet linge sale guenille guenon, non, je parlais de la Ford Mustang 65 peuples ces lieux. Un milieu de travail plaquage mots recouvert les uns sur rouge vif d'un autre calendrier qui occupe par une majorite de femmes n'a les autres, place du non-lieu desordre venait d'arriver. On a ri un peu pas cette tendance a afficher des corps des traits. Trop de peau. Gonflements. puisque je voyais ces paons ouvrir sans vie dans les yeux. Cette maladie Le coeur gros. Je n'aurai jamais pitie. leurs ailes pour essayer d'impression- est propre a la majorite de nos hom• Les mots se font de ventre epais. La ner. mes. C'est done une maladie "nor- fille epinglee." male": ceux qui n'en souffre pas sont En realite, ce fameux calendrier hors norme: les anormaux. de Chippendale, si j'en recevais un il irait plutot la ou vont mes outils: dans L'apercevoir dans les residences mon coffre. privees, cela saisit un peu... et la mane tristesse m'envahit. Mais la tristesse est Johanne Daly plus cuisante encore lorsque je la vois chez des hommes que j'aime beaucoup. Mecanicienne automobile Et la colere impuissante arrive, elle, avec leurs arguments defendant sa WITT women are confronted presence accessoire. Arguments si daily with pin-up calendars on the directement relies a tout le reste de la work site: Linda Boisclair is filled with mentalite courante, arguments tradui- an immense sadness at the manifesta• sant sournoisement toute une concep• tion of a disease that is male in its very tion des relations hommes-femmes: essence. Women do not feel the need to "C'est juste la pour decorer/ C'est plaster the walls with images of bodies beau le corps d'une femme/ Une with lifeless eyes. Her anger rises femme, ca n'a pas les mains sales, c'est powerlessly as she endures the argu• doux et 5a sent bon/ ments that speak of decoration and beauty... If we lived in a world where Si l'ensemble des societes dans women were perceived as equals, laquelle vivent les femmes etaient perhaps these comments would not capable de les percevoir comme des La fille du calendrier feel like blows. But such is not the case. partenaires egales, totalement libre de Dernierement au garage, le And so we remain in a patriarchal leurs choix, si on ne leur manquait pas phenomene du calendrier avec ces perception of infantile subordination de respect parce qu'elles sont des femmes en maillot fit son apparition. where woman is object and never femmes, certains de ces arguments ne Au debut j'ignorais comment reagir, ou subject. me paraitraient pas si incense. Mais tel devais-je plutot faire semblant de n'est pas le cas. n'a voir rien vu etant la seule femme Johanne Daly takes a different view and feels that one must fight fire L'image de la fille du calendrier parmi quatre hommes... Mais je with fire as she chooses to embarrass (ou celle qui presente [?] la nouvelle decidais plutot de jouer le jeu; je male customers (she is a car mechanic scie circulaire [!] ou le dernier cri dans demandais d'avoir mon propre in a garage) accompanied by their les turbines industrielles [!!]) contribue calendrier specifiquement celui de wives as she offers them these promo• a nous maintenir dans la perception Chippendale. J'en faisais meme la tional calendars... She also insists on patriarcale de la subordination: demande devant les clients. having her own male pin-ups (in her infantile (puisque sans poil), docile, A la demande de mon "boss", tool box!) and never misses a chance to helas oui, objet de consommation mais lorsque je remettais une factur e a un ridicule her male colleagues on the surtout pas, oh! surtout pas: SUJET. client, je remettais un calendrier. J'ose dire que j'avais du plaisir a les remettre subject of looking on calendar girls as conquests. Linda Boisclair particulierement lorsque le client etait accompagne de son epouse. Je le filectronicienne et presidents de voyais rougir en me repondant qu'il en F.R.O.N.T. Intolerance versus tolerance. possedait deja un pour l'annee 94. Je

JUNE 1994 WITT National Newsletter Page 17 KEEPING WITTS Letter from National Tradeswoman Summit (Continuedfrom Page 13)

(NTS) ity of a Women's Building - to provide Kansas City, Missouri permanent meeting and office space. April 14-17,1994 We hope to not only use these By Anabelle Paxton facilities - but to build it as well! It was a dark and stormy night. I arrived in Kansas City, Missouri. There were SIWITT has a newsletter, posted Tornado warnings. A stranger drove me through the storm. Suddenly lightning shot to members, which publishes six times through the sky and voila!, I arrived at my hotel. WITT women embraced me. I was safe per year. at last. That evening the WITT Goddesses gave me a lightshow I would never forget. It's been a fun and inspirational Lighting and thunder cracked through the skies for about three hours. It was a wonderful year, with meetings and speakers intro to the National Tradeswomen Summit. The next morning, the sun burst through the clouds. The Conference atmosphere interspersed,of course, with pub nights was very friendly yet very busy. Women were interested in sharing their stories and and parties. finding out what was going on around the country re: WITT. Janet Lapp, the opening keynote speaker, gave a great motivational talk on overcoming our personal barriers as WITT women. She spoke about how fear can grab us and take hold. Many times as WITT women we find ourselves walking into the eye of fear. She said that during this process Penticton Report of finding our place, we must find the truthtellers by paying attention and listening to our own intuition. One major theme at the conference was American WITT women wanting to re• For the fourth year, Okanagan organize their National Network. Their National Network began at the Conference in Peopleworks Ltd., a registered private Chicago in 1989 and stopped functioning about one year ago. From the meetings it training school, has delivered a WITT appeared the women want to slowly work at reorganizingthei r Network. An ad hoc exploratory program, enabling women committee will use the Berkeley newsletter, TRADESWOMEN INC., as an acting to make career choices that correspond National voice, since the newsletter's circulation of 1500 or more in the U.S. is far reaching. The 10 regions will begin discussions in their own areas regarding the Net• to their individual needs. May 6 is the work. A conference was suggested in the next year to keep the ball rolling, possibly in graduation date for the women Den celebrating the completion of the seven Many women were interested in structure and workings of the Canad ian WITT month program funded by the Canada National Network. 1 talked to many women and gave out information about our Employment Centre/Canadian Jobs Network. When the groups broke into regions, I spent time with the women in the Pacific Strategy. Northwest which included Washington and Oregon State. This region is close to where I live in Vancouver. The training included compo• The final keynote speaker was Ronnie Sadler, a carpenter and a founder of nents such as: job shadowing, introduc• numerous WITT organizations in the USA. She gave a powerful speech on recognizing tion to power and hand tools, introduc• our accomplishments and our herstory. Since affirmative action in the states began in tory hands-on experiences in framing, 1978, she asked WITT women to stand up that have been working on WITT issues since roofing drywalling, painting and then. It was a pleasant surprise to see a significant group of women besides myself that decorating, flooring, insulating, stood up. Farewells are always difficult but it is a reassuring feeling to know our WITT bricklaying cabinetmaking, plumbing, sisters in the USA are just a step across the border. electrical, industrial math, drafting and blueprint reading, Industrial First Aid, self-employment workshop, job search COLLABORATION skills, self-esteem, communication (Continued from Page 9) skills and assertiveness training. During the hands-on component, rorganisation du travail, et amener nos on the board of directors of F.R.O.N.T. the Women In Trades built a small 10 membres et collegues ainsi que nos summarizes the beginnings of F.R.O.N.T. by 14 foot hut, complete with doors patrons a faire une place aux femmes and analyses the desires and convictions of and windows. The "WET Hut" is qui desirent investir dans les lieux de WITT women behind the creation of this plumbed and wired, and was raffled travail qui jusq'ici les ont excluent de provincial organisation. We have long past off at the graduation ceremony. facto. the stage of questioning the right of women Proceeds of the raffle went to the Nous invitons done toutes les to the job market (a popular topic in times Penticton and Area Women's Centre, femmes qui en connaissent d'autres qui of recession) says Rene, and women have specifically towards a mentorship exercent des metiers non traditionnels now decided to organise themselves into program, which encourages girls to ou toute femme qui en exerce un elle- bodies that have the clout necessary to consider sciences, trades and technolo• meme a entrer en communication avec defend our rights, implement employment gies as a career choice. l'organisme de leur region et/ou joindre equity and fight discrimination. The Many of the women completing les FEMMES REGROUPEES EN alliance of workers and unions is a the course will be entering the OPTION NON TRADITIONNELLES a privilege for both parties, and both sides workforce in a wide range of voca• l'adresse qui apparait ci-dessous. will profit from this association. tional: cabinetry/millworking, framing Helene Rene Helene Rene has unfortunately left carpentry, renovations, interior design/ us since the writing of this article, but the decorating, horticulture, and Helene Rene, union representative CSN is still in existence. campground maintenance. (Conseil des syndicats nationaux) who sits

Page 18 WITT National Newsletter / JUNE 1994 Resources

New from the Women Inventors ers can be arranged for regular or specially their time in sciences and engineering Project is, CANADIAN WOMEN: organized meetings of parent, school or while the boys study home economics and RISKTAKERS & CHANGEMAKERS. This community groups. For more information nursing. A special effort was made to invite multi-faceted poster kit explores the lives about "Project Tomorrow" write or call: students thought to be at risk of not com• of over 150 scientist, inventors, entrepre• Project Tomorrow - SCWIST, #2423 - 515 pleting school; who are especially vulner• neurs and social innovators. And who are West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6B able to the messages within stereotypes. they? They are our grandmothers, moth• 5K3 (604) 291 -5163 Fax: (604) 291 -5112 To order this booklet and for further ers, sisters and daughters who have information, please contact: WISEST, c/o founded companies, created devices that The video A WEB NOT A LADDER Department of Chemistry, University of save timeand lives, explored the atom and by Bonnie Dickie of Manitoba is produced Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2. conquered the depths of space. The kit by the National Film Board of Canada Phone (403) 492-1842 or 492-4969 includes a full colour poster, a 170 page underthe Federal Women's Film Program digest describing the lives and achieve• (FWFP). The 23 minute film focuses on six ments of 158 Canadian innovators and an businesswomen who own and operate From IMGETT (Indian and Metis interactive computer database/game. For small businesses. By sharing their stories Girls Exploring Trades and Technology): a $39.95 plus GST the kit is available in and advice, the women featured in "A Web video and Educator's Kit: the video high• French and English from: The Women Not A Ladder" provide information, sup• lights role models, camp participants and Inventors Project, 1 Greensboro Drive, port and inspiration for other women who Indian and Metis Elders. The culturally Suite 302, Etobicoke, Ontario M9W 1C8 want to start their own businesses. Show• sensitive Educator's Kit is developed for PH: (416)243-0668 ing businesswomen with diverse interest use in schools in conjunction with the and goals, the film demonstrates that there video. Acknowledgement and appropriate AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE EN• really is more than one way to do business. use of Indian and Metis history and culture GINEER is a new 10 minute career educa• An interesting and well edited film suitable is an integral part of the kit. The age group tion video that is designed to encourage for girls or women looking towards their focus is on the middle years. high school students, especially young future. For purchase or rental of this film For more information, contact Shirley women, to consider aircraft maintenance or video, contact: The National Film Board Boucher, Chairperson of the IMGETT as a career. Two women and several men of Canada, P.O. Box 6100, Station A - Committee at (306) 787-7819 are seen in the video who share their Montreal, Quebec H3C 3H5 (available in experiences as engineer and engineering French and English) student. Up-to-date images of the indus• try, training requirements and working Also from the NFB/FWFP: CA• conditions are presented along with an REERS TO DISCOVER is a 25 minute accompanying facilitator's guide. This video/film follows three 14 year old girls looks like a good resource for high school who meet five women who have chosen students. For further information, contact: science and applied science as their life's The Canadian Aviation Maintenance Coun• work. From agricultural engineer to ma• JUDGE WATCH cil, 955 Green Valley Cres., Suite 330, rine biologist, each tells their story about Ottawa, Ontario K2C 3V4 PH: (613) 727- being a woman in science. Although it 8272 Fax: 727-7018 or The Ontario Wom• promotes itself as encouraging girls to stay The chief justice of the Su• en's Directorate, 2 Carlton St., 12th Floor, in math and sciences, its pace may be too preme Court of Canada, Antonio Toronto, Ontario M5B 2M9 PH: (416) 314- slow to keep many students interested in Lamer, has decided to strike a spe• 0297 Fax: 314-0254 the film's content. cial committee to look into sexism, racism, and discrimination on the Started in March 1993, MS INFIN• basis of disability, poverty, and sexual ITY Mathematics and science conferences orientation. Lamer has asked the member of the public to report the for young women announced the "Project "A Day of Science To Keep Girls Tomorrow" presentation which focuses in School", is a booklet describing a names of judges who have made on the future of young girls and the impor• project in which WISEST (Women in Schol• discriminatory remarks or engaged tance of science and math skills to their arship, Engineering, Science and Tech• in discriminatory behaviour. participation in the labour force. The 20 nology) was involved as part of the STAY minute presentation followed by discus• IN SCHOOL program of Canada Employ• Please send names of judges and sion, stresses the importance of attitudes ment and Immigration. One day confer• accounts of comments or behaviour towards science and math that are devel• ences for girls in grade 6 and for high to Judge Watch, c/o Judgewatch, 57 oped at a young age. These attitudes school girls are held each spring, while the Mobile Dr., Toronto, ON M4A1H5 influence whether girls choose to continue Summer Research Program enables stu• with math and science in high school and so that we can respond to Lanier's dents who have finished grade 11 tospend committee. post secondary education. The present• six weeks working in research groups at ers are members of SCWIST, women with the University of Alberta. The girls spend careers in science and technology. Speak•

JUNE 1994 WITT National Newsletter Page 19 WITT NATIONAL NETWORK MEMBERSHIP

WITT National Network is an education and advocacy organization that promotes and assists in the recruitment, training and successful employment of women in trades, technology, operations and blue collarwork.

TERMS OF MEMBERSHIP

• REGULAR A regular member will be an individual female who is in• members, but cannot serve as members of the National terested in the achievement of the WITT National Network's Advisory Committee, nor as provincial / territorial National goals and objectives and who has fulfilled obligations of fees Representatives or Alternates. as indicated in the Structure Support Document. • ASSOCIATE These are open to individuals, groups, unions, businesses, etc. interested in supporting the goals of the WITT National Network. Associate members have voice but may not vote WITT National Network at the National Conference. They may sit as committee 8 St. Patrick St., London, Ont. N6H 1P3 (519) 439-7743

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEES

REGULAR: $15.00 or 1 Hour's Wage (whichever is higher)

OCCUPATION EMPLOYER/UNION

ASSOCIATE: Individual Associate Membership $30 Name: Local WITT Groups $50 Address Local Unions Associations and Groups $60 Education Institutions $100 Employers with under 500 Employees $100 National/Umbrella/Union Organizations $125 Corporate $175 Phone: (GST is included in the membership fees) Organization: WITT National Network 8 St. Patrick St., London, Ont. N6H 1P3 (519) 439-7743

For any donation received above the amount of your membership fee, you will receive a tax deduction receipt.

*

Page 20 WITT National Newsletter • JUNE 1994 i