A new study from the Chicago Women in Trades highlights the success that trade organizations like the Ironworkers have had offering pregnancy and maternity benefits to their workers. The lack of pregnancy and family medical leave policies can be a barrier to women’s entry and retention in the trades, according to the report, which also examines a recently enacted policy from the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters (NCSRCC). In the first two years since the introduction of the Ironworkers’ benefit, 28 women have used the policy, and in the year since the Carpenters introduced their policy, five women have used its policy. With 26,000 members, including approximately 700 women, the NCSRCC funds its policy through regional health funds, jointly managed by labor and contractors. The report states that NCSRCC leaders are confident that the benefit can be funded with current contribution levels.
https://www.constructiondive.com/news/study-finds-maternity-benefits-for-construction-tradeswomen-financially-fea/567636/