Tradeswomen from Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council affiliated Local Unions gathered for a group dinner at the IBEW Local 38 Union Hall to celebrate Women in Construction Week.

Thanks to the CBCTC, Local 38 and the Cleveland Tradeswomen Committee, nearly 60 tradeswomen enjoyed a free meal prepared by Mission BBQ on March 8, and had the opportunity to socialize together after work.

There were women attending from nearly all the area building trades Local Unions. In some instances, there were multiple generations of tradeswomen from several families eating together.

The informal atmosphere provided an ideal setting for union Sisters to hang out and get to know one another.

While more women are working together on jobsites in Greater Cleveland than in years past, in most instances, there are only a handful of women working on most medium or small jobsites. As such, the dinner provided an opportunity to meet other women who work in the industry and build friendships.

The event marked the first time Women in Construction Week was celebrated in Cleveland, and for Doreen Cannon, who chairs the Cleveland Tradeswomen Committee, it was a long time coming. “For years, Women in Construction Week was celebrated in other cities across the country,” she said. “I’m excited this is our first time doing it.”

She noted that Cleveland City Council presented the Tradeswomen Committee with a resolution, sponsored by all the female Council Members, recognizing the organization and honoring them during Women in Construction Week.

Cannon and event organizer Emma Varner appreciated the support from the building trades leaders to make the event a reality.

“Thanks to Dave Wondolowski for pushing this event and to the business managers and other building trades leaders who support our group,” said Cannon.

“There are plenty of women’s groups across the country that have no support. We’re thankful to the have the support of the Cleveland Building Trades and the Local Unions,” added Varner.

Dave Wondolowski, Executive Secretary/Business Manager of the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council admitted he was pleased by the turnout.

“This is an unbelievable show of support,” he said. “Since women are underrepresented in this industry, it is good to have events to highlight them and the work they do.”

When addressing the attendees, Wondolowski recalled how there were only a few women in the trades and no female leaders while he was a bricklayer and then a Business Representative for Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 5.