USW launches program to promote women’s health and workplace safety

Randie Pearson, the Director of the United Steelworkers Women of Steel, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the program and how it empowered her in the workplace. She also discussed the Raising the Bar campaign, and how it is helping to create safer workplaces.

The Women of Steel program educates USW Sisters about the union and the issues that affect women at work. Pearson said the program empowers members to become leaders within their Locals and encourages them to become activists fighting for equity and the USW's core values. She said the program encourages Women of Steel to be active in their communities and the broader labor movement. They actively work to meet the unmet needs of fellow union members and members of their communities, as well as serve on central labor councils and area federations. They also volunteer to political campaigns and non-profit organizations.

Pearson knows from first-hand experience the difficulties of being a woman in a heavily male-dominated industry. She talked about women's struggles like obtaining properly fitting Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and tools designed with a female in mind. Pearson shared her experience not having a female locker room and being forced to change in the men's locker room. Because the Steelworkers are leaders in health and safety activism, she was empowered through the Women of Steel program to demand her employer follow the law and provide the women in the facility the tools and respect they deserved, she said.

Finally, Pearson talked about the Women of Steel Raising the Bar campaign. The campaign offers Local leaders and other equality activists a comprehensive roadmap to help create healthy and safe workplace environments for everyone. The issues covered by the campaign are not exclusive to women, however, women are often disproportionately impacted by them. She said the campaign provides members with the ability to address women’s health and safety concerns and create a safer workplace for everyone.

For more about the USW Women of Steel and their Raising the Bar Campaign, listen to the show above.