Page 9 - CBTU

dignity. That is a big part of my job: making sure traditionally underrepresented populations to run
those considering the skilled trades are also turning
their attention to the benefits of belonging to a
union.”
BuildTogether
The CBTU has BuildTogether chapters across
the country. These chapters originally started out
as a way to raise the profile of women in trades
and provide a support network and now include
Indigenous populations, New Canadians, and Youth.
“Through BuildTogether, we highlight the
opportunities that exist within the skilled trades
for all groups—persons of color, women, youth,
Indigenous populations, new Canadians, persons
with disabilities,” says Dunn. “We also provide
education and support relative to best practices
around things like attraction, retention, mentorship
and, allyship. Our leaders have been working
hard to encourage their members who come from
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for elected positions on their executive boards and
to take on leadership roles in their organizations.”
CBTU also supports veterans through our Helmets
to Hardhat (H2H) program, connecting veterans to
training opportunities, jobs and membership into
the organized skilled trades.
The result has been an increase in participation
from underrepresented groups: CBTU have
elected Executive Board members and appointed
international representatives who are women;
we have persons of color serving as business
managers, Indigenous shop stewards and
forepersons, to name a few.
“I have a very important message for anyone
interested in the skilled trades, but women and
under represented groups in particular,” says Dunn.
“True financial independence is something that is
attainable in the organized skilled trades—if you’re
considering the skilled trades, consider the benefits
of union membership—they go hand in hand.”
www.buildingtrades.ca