Women of Color Breaking Barriers in U.S. Labor Union Leadership

Black and Latina Women Making Strides in Union Leadership

In a historically male-dominated field, Black and Latina women are making significant strides in labor union leadership positions, bringing a fresh perspective and driving positive change at the bargaining table. Despite facing intersectional challenges of racism and sexism in their careers, these women are stepping up to fight for better working conditions and benefits for their members.

Recent data from the U.S. Department of Labor shows that Black and Latina women are starting to gain ground in top leadership positions within some of the largest unions in the country. This shift has led to a renewed focus on family-friendly benefits like parental leave, health care coverage, and protections against sexual harassment in the workplace.

One notable example is Gwen Mills, who made history by becoming the first woman to be elected union president at the hospitality union UNITE HERE. Under her leadership, over 12,000 members across six states went on strike to advocate for wage increases, fair workloads, and more affordable health care.

The momentum for Black and Latina women in union leadership has been building over the past five years, with women like Liz Shuler, Becky Pringle, Bonnie Castillo, and April Verrett taking on key roles in major unions. These leaders are not only advocating for their members but also pushing for broader social issues like affordable housing, racial justice, and gender inclusivity.

Despite the progress made by female-dominated fields, there is still a long way to go for unions in male-dominated industries like building and manufacturing trades. However, the increasing representation of Black and Latina women in leadership roles is a positive step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable labor movement.

As more women of color take on leadership positions within unions, they are bringing a unique perspective to the table and advocating for the needs of their members. By amplifying their voices and experiences, these women are driving positive change within the labor movement and paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future.