Illinois tradeswomen advocate for workforce diversity improvements

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Women currently make up 5% of the Illinois building trades workforce, but advocates hope to see lawmakers address systemic barriers to higher wages and quality jobs.

A House resolution could reaffirm the state's commitment to expanding workforce opportunities for all people who wish to pursue careers in the trades. The resolution could renew the state's commitment to contract with businesses upholding worker's rights and rejecting workplace discrimination.

"Our long fight for equality is again threatened," said Rep. Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero). "This time by a president who sees women from all walks of life and backgrounds as diversity hires and not those who are just as qualified to get the job done."

This legislation also calls on Illinois to continue utilizing data reporting, bid incentives, and project labor agreements to ensure contractors are committed to high-quality job opportunities and worksites where every worker can thrive.

Advocates would also like to see more investments in innovative programs to increase access to high wage careers in construction trades to all Illinoisans since the industry has received millions of dollars from the General Assembly. The popular programs have shown a strong record of women and people of color graduating and moving on to great careers in the industry.

"At a time that skilled labor shortages are impacting infrastructure projects nationwide, investing in policies that recruit and retain women is not just the right thing to do," said Tamara McCullough, DEI Outreach Associate for the Illinois Foundation for Fair Contracting. "It's the smart thing to do. As tradeswomen, we aren't just part of the workforce. We're the foundation of the world around us."