Page 37 - ETU Journal Autumn 2017

SUrVEy > WOMENS’ COMMITTEE
tHe etU femaLe members’ sUrVey: in tHeir Own wOrds
The following are verbatim responses from the survey on female members’ experiences with working in the male- dominated electrical trade and the union.
would you recommend the trade to female family or friends?
If you are strong enough, there are good career opportunities.’
I think a woman can work in the electrical industry just as much as a man can. If they are passionate about a career in the industry and are eager to learn new skills and knowledge then they will succeed at whatever they put their mind to.’
I feel it is a wonderful trade but unfortunately, unless they are a woman of very strong character, I feel that based on my experience I would not recommend the trade to female friends or family.’
It a way to earn the same pay scale as men, ind out not all men are bullies. Earn the respect of men for your own ability and not what you look like. To show I am not going to be intimidated by what other people think. My dad was horriied I was going to be one of those rough women. Was so good when I started earning more money than him.’
I think it’s a wonderful trade for women, and don’t understand why more women aren’t involved.’
It’s a very accessible trade for females who are not ‘ofice’ oriented. The diversity of career paths is vast and so there is a niche for everyone.’
Based on my experience of 33 years in the trade, I totally recommend it. Great choice for women. There are an enormous amount of career paths within the trade to choose from and I can see no reason why a woman should not consider them.’
My company gave me the same opportunities they gave to my male colleagues. Good industry, good money, can learn a lot.’
There’s a sense of accomplishment that goes with the work. Men are less judgemental now or it could be because I’ve been with this company for so long I have a good reputation that they judge less.’
The industry simply isn’t equipped to deal with harassment and bullying of females in the trade. I spent more time dealing with constant issues related to being a female, then actually just being a sparky and doing the work.’
what changes affecting women would you like to see?
Positive attitudes towards women. a support group to combat issues we face as women.’
amenities!!!!!’
Mandatory women’s and men’s bathrooms on site (mostly construction sites I have found won’t have a women’s toilet). Even if a toilet that can be used as unisex would be ine, but it’s not right that the only toilets on site all have urinals along the walls, making it impossible for women and men to use these facilities at the same time.’
Be treated exactly the same as the guys. Not as a novelty, be taken seriously before having to prove you know what you are either doing or talking about.’
Support for mums with kids that require lexible working arrangements.’
I would like to see an acknowledgement from within the industry that women are not “stealing jobs from blokes”. We all have different strengths and weaknesses. It’s better if we work together.’
More women in the workforce would help take away the novelty of having a women on site. Less attention so you can just get on with your work.’
acceptance. We’re just trying to make a living too. don’t feel threatened by us because that’s not our intention.’
Better education of acceptable behaviour. Better processes in place to deal with harassment and bullying. More encouragement to stand up for what is right and what is fair rather than staying silent due to fear of retribution.’
in general
Even though I wasn’t prepared for what I encountered as a female electrician, the harassment, the rudeness and even the anger, I still don’t regret it. It has been a rollercoaster over the years but even now I can’t imagine doing anything else.’
I think it is all how we approach things as women. You can’t expect to be treated differently or be too precious. all I ask for is respect, the same as I give and easily accessible toilets.’ n
My company gave me
the same opportunities they gave
to my male colleagues. Good industry, good money, can learn a lot.’
I think it’s a wonderful trade for women, and don’t understand why more women aren’t involved.’
www.etuvic.com.au
tHE Etu > AutuMn 2016
37