In Michigan, a union is making strides to attract more women to the construction industry, a traditionally male-dominated field. Despite women making progress, they still make up only 4% of the construction workforce, and a major reason behind this gap is the lack of recruitment efforts. However, Michigan's Operating Engineers Local 324 is working to change this by offering more opportunities for women, and their efforts have been met with success.

John Hartwell from Local 324 explains, "We've implemented a reverse mentoring program, where supervision on job sites, such as foremen and superintendents, are being trained to be more accepting and supportive. This is a significant shift in the culture I've witnessed over my 30 years with the union."

Angel Dubey, a 31-year-old apprentice crane operator from Montrose, Michigan, is one of the success stories. Having started in the trades in 2021, Angel recently completed a heavy equipment apprenticeship and is now working on the Soo Locks project. Angel shares, "I don't do a lot of manual labor as an operator, but I've seen many female laborers and carpenters thrive by doing heavy lifting. It's inspiring to see them power through and love what they do."

One of the concerns women face in the construction industry is dealing with issues such as sexual harassment. Angel talks about the support system: "HR comes around periodically to meet with employees and listen to any concerns we might have. It's comforting to know they're there for us."

Another challenge women often face is balancing their career with family life. Angel acknowledges, "Having a family while working in construction is tough. Finding the right balance between work and childcare can be a struggle, and a lot of women leave the workforce after having kids due to these challenges. It's something the union is working on to make things more accommodating."

To address these issues, Local 324 is making significant efforts. John Hartwell explains, "We've held annual meetings with our female workers to hear their concerns and improve job site conditions. For example, better facilities like sanitation stations have been introduced at both job sites and training facilities."

John also reveals that the union is working on improving the infrastructure at training facilities to make it more accessible and comfortable for female workers. "We've received pricing for these improvements, and we're moving forward with implementation."

Despite the challenges, Angel Dubey is passionate about her career in construction: "It's the best choice I've ever made. I've never been so financially stable. I want other women to know that construction is a viable option. It's not just about college or military service. You can succeed and make a lot of money doing this."

John Hartwell agrees, saying, "If my daughter wanted to join the trades, I would fully support her. The opportunities are there, and the equality in this industry is unmatched."

• Michigan’s Operating Engineers Local 324 is providing essential resources and support for women in construction.
• Insights into reverse mentoring and how management is evolving to create more inclusive work environments.
• Angel Dubey’s inspiring journey and the rise of women in construction and trades in Michigan.

Originally reported by Tina Sawyer in WCMU Public Media.