Women in Trades Call For Better Treatment With Minnesota Tragedy Still in Mind

(Adobe Stock via Minnesota News Connection)

(By Mike Moen. Minnesota News Connection) – Women working in Minnesota’s construction trades say they’re still coming to grips with a recent high-profile case of workplace violence. Union voices are calling for more conversations and other actions to ensure this sector is safe and welcoming for women.

In November, welder Amber Czech was murdered by a male co-worker at a plant just west of the Twin Cities.

Clara Schiller is a pipefitter, member of Pipefitters Local 455 and board member and instructor with the nonprofit Women Building Success. She confirmed there is renewed pressure to highlight the challenges women face working in the trades, including threatening and harassing behavior.

“It’s absolutely something that is kept in mind when talking to people about getting into the trades,” said Schiller. “There’s not an expectation that these things will happen, but it is something that people should be aware of.”