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Hard Hatted Women
by Sandy Pope
Whether out of necessity or interest in a higher paying job, more and more women are working in "non-traditional," predominantly male jobs. Due to anti-discrimination laws, affirmative action, and Пtore enlightened attitudes, a woman's chances of landing and keeping this kind of job are better than
ever.
Even so, it is still an uphill battle. Getting training, dealing aggressively with sexist employment personnel, proving discrimination to force a company to hire you, getting through probationary periods, and dealing with hostile union representatives and co-
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workers are all major hurdles you may have to go through to get and keep that job.
For many of us, it becomes a matter of principal and a fight we're determined to win..
In most non-traditional jobs, women co-workers are few and far between (if they're there at all!). The feeling of isolation, and the frustration of proving yourself "worthy” of your job can be overwhelming.
In some areas, women are organizing industrywide or union women's groups, such as women coal miners and women steelworkers in the USW. But most of these groups deal strictly with on-the-job issue ..
Hard Hatted Women is a group in Pittsburgh formed by a few women in the building trades. (The construction industry is notorious for keeping women and minorities out, as is the trucking industry.) It was formed mainly as a support group and grew quickly to include steelworkers, truck drivers, electricians, etc. At one point they were confronted with whether to allow women in management positions in the group. After much discussion they decided against it, citing two main reasons: (1) it might intimidate some women and keep them from participating, and (2) they would lose union support.
Many of the beginning efforts were co-sponsored with the YWCA, They held public monthly meetings and got media publicity on the general topic of women in non-traditional jobs. After working out organizational structures, they adopted the following set of goals and purposes:
As a support/service group:
• Provide/promote publicity, role models for women interested in getting into non-traditional jobs.
• Provide referrals and job-entrance help.
• Provide psychological and emotional support for
women already in non-traditional jobs
• Initiate training programs to aid women in getting into non-traditional jobs, when and if possible
As a pressure group:
• Pressure government and community recruitment groups to fulfill their roles in equal opportunity • Pressure the construction industry to hire more women in non-traditional jobs
• Pressure unions to fight discrimination and to respond to needs of women entering their ranks. (health, job safety, child care, etc.)
• Pressure companies and unions to provide harassment-free work environments for women
• Pressure the community via media, events, etc., to change attitudes toward working women
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I • Encourage active participation of women coworkers in workplace and trade unions
• Enlist the aid of male co-workers in women's endeavors
Demand that the company do training of necessary job skills and safety for women
Recent activities of Hard Hatted Women include participating and speaking at the Pittsburgh Take
LOCAL NEWS
Back the Night march and taping a television show, thirty minutes, where they were filmed on the job and interviewed on such topics as hiring, bathroom facilities, co-workers' attitudes, and discrimination laws. The responses from women's groups and unions have been positive. Future projects include establishing a speakers bureau, starting women's and civil rights committees in local unions, and helping provide job training and job hunting information.
There is a desperate need for groups like this to fight for women's equality in the work force, both in jobs and wages. Inspired by the Pittsburgh group's success and feeling a great need to talk to other women in non-traditional jobs, a number of us in Cleveland would like to start a similar group. We will be meeting on Tuesday, November 27 at 7 p.m. We encourage women seeking non traditional jobs to come as well.
For more information, call Sandy (921-2656), Cierí (721-8945), or Mary (476-2460). Please call even if you can't attend. We need to hear from you.
Sandy Pope
Truck Driver, Teamsters Local 407
NARAL/Ohio Formed
Pro-choice groups in Cleveland, Cincinnati and Columbus have agreed to give up their individual af-
filiates in the National Abortion Rights Action League in order to form one state-wide affiliate, NARAL/Ohio.
The purpose of forming a state affiliate is to develop pro-choice influence in each of the 23 Congressional districts in Ohio. Currently both U.S. Senators from Ohio, John Glenn and Howard Metzenbaum, have strong pro-choice voting records.
But in the House of Representatives only Sakes of Cleveland, Donald Pease of Lorain-Oberlin and John Seiberling of Akron vote for choice on a regular basis. The goal of NARAL/Ohio will be to direct
voter influence toward pro-choice candidates.
1980 is considered to be a critical year for reproductive freedom. Thus far right-wing interests. have managed to muster the 2 percent "swing vote," which can make or break a vulnerable candidate in a tight election. But in two years, pro-choice power has become more politically savvy and 1980 can be a real show of strength for choice.
NARAL/Ohio has hired Wendy Winger of Columbus, Ohio as chief state-wide organizer. Wendy has an extensive background with tenant organizing, environmental groups and feminist issues. During the month of November she'll be visiting cities throughout the state to assist in organizing prochoice action.
Walk More Determined!
This song is for all women in struggle Forced to make their troubled ways alone.
In the courts, in the home, and in factories Are heroines unnamed and unknown.
They knew they'd never change the world without fighting,
Even though they had a lot to lose.
If you can stand the pain, it's worth deciding To defend a woman's right to choose.
O my sisters, dear sisters, be strong.
"For All Women in Struggle" is just one of many songs Kristin Lems will sing in concert on December 6 at CSU University Auditorium at 8 p.m. Accompanied by musician Tim Vear, Kristin has been enthusiastically received by audiences across the country, most recently at the New American Movement Convention in Milwaukee and at the NARAJ. National Convention in Washington, D.C.
A political feminist lyricist who fuses the stirrings of her heart with her strong beliefs, Kristin has a spirited sense of humor and a serious commitment to social change. Some of her tunes are named with obvious intent: "Women Walk More Determined," "Talkin' Ciender Neutral Blues," "Ballad of ERA."
Come join us in an evening of progressive music! Proceeds will benefit the Pro-Choice Action Committee. Tickets are $3.50) (regular price) and $2.50
(Senior Citizens and financial hardship) and can be reserved by calling EFCO at 579-0028. Child care available. Children under 12 admitted free. The con cert will be sponsored by Cleveland State University
Women's Alliance, Commonworks, Education for Freedom of Choice in Ohio, and the Pro-Choice Ac tion Committee.
By Carol Epstei
November, 1979/What She Wants/Page 3