An analysis of the barriers to women becoming local union officers

This study examines the importance of barriers to the participation of women in local union activities. Male and female officers of local unions in Canada were surveyed to determine the importance of eight barriers to participation. The results indicate that the most important barriers are that women hold two jobs (at home and at work) and have no time for union activities; child care responsibilities prevent greater participation in unions; and women underestimate their abilities and believe that male employees are better suited to union officer positions. The analysis also explores differences in male and female ratings. Conclusions are reached regarding the importance of overcoming barriers at local levels in reducing the under-representation of women in national union governance. This study was supported by grants from the Canada Department of Labor and the University of Windsor. The authors wish to thank Elizabeth Rutherford for her research assistance.