On July 24, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) Vice Chair, Jocelyn Samuels, visited Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT) to discuss a persistent challenge in the construction industry: workplace harassment.
The meeting brought together tradeswomen leaders and industry stakeholders following the EEOC’s June release of “Promising Practices for Preventing Harassment in the Construction Industry.” The comprehensive guide, developed with input from CWIT and its national partners, offers practical solutions for creating safer job sites.
During a candid closed-door session, tradeswomen shared their firsthand experiences with Vice Chair Samuels. Their stories highlighted ongoing challenges faced by women, especially women of color, who continue to encounter sexual harassment and discrimination on construction sites– often without clear paths to resolution.
“We have many tools that we use to enforce the laws,” Samuels told the group. “A lot of the work that we want to do is at the front end so that we can make sure you know your rights, and contractors, subcontractors and project owners know their responsibilities. Because compliance at the front end is always better than us having to sue people at the back end.”
During the roundtable, several industry partners discussed actions they are already taking that are aligned with the EEOC’s recommendations. Power Construction, for example, has partnered with CWIT to roll out the RISE Up respectful worksite training program, demonstrating how companies can take real action toward change. Local unions and apprenticeship programs also shared ongoing efforts to roll out training and increase accountability for harassment in the industry.
“These guidelines aren’t just recommendations – they’re a roadmap for creating real change in the construction industry,” said Beth Berendsen, Policy Director at CWIT. “When companies implement these practices, they’re not just protecting workers; they’re building a stronger, more inclusive industry that benefits everyone.”
CWIT’s executive director, Jayne Vellinga, expressed optimism about the meeting’s outcomes while emphasizing the need for continued action. “We are relying on our industry partners to do the right thing by all their employees,” she said. “Today’s roundtable is encouraging. We hope that more construction leaders and government agencies will take real action, leading to safer and welcoming workplaces for all.”
Read the EEOC’s Guidelines: Promising Practices for Preventing Harassment in the Construction Industry.
