Sisters in the Brotherhood
Mission Statement
The goal of the Sisters in the Brotherhood (SIB) is to create a network of active members that provides avenues for women to eliminate barriers to their success and to increase the number and diversity of women in the UBC.
We advocate for member involvement to strengthen the union and for the unity and retention of all members.
Strategic Goals
Increase Representation in the Workforce
SIB is active in recruiting efforts and educational campaigns geared towards bringing more women into the industry.
Increase Retention of Women in the UBC
Ensuring the supports and mentorship in place for active members lead to continued participation in the UBC.
Encourage Active Participation
Motivate members to be ACTIVE in the community, union activities, and political action. All with the best interests of our members in mind.
Push for Policies that are Beneficial to SIB
Support for policies that are beneficial to Women in the Trades.
Close the Pay Gap
Ensuring ALL members have access to fair wages, regardless of gender, race, nationality, or sexual orientation.
Sisters in the Brotherhood
Engaged and Involved
Backing policies and people that push for workers’ rights is only a small part of the political involvement of a UBC member. Being active in your own community, local union, and council will help keep your interests at the forefront of change.
- Stay Involved
- Vote
- Volunteer
- Attend Union Meetings
- Recruit
- Help the Community
- Support UBC Goals
Resources
For SIB MembersResources
International Sisters in the Brotherhood
SIB committees are North America wide, with opportunities to network and participate in workshops that expose women to UBC history and develop skills to become more active within the union. Find out more about the international’s efforts in supporting its female members.
UBC Regional Committee Updates
Sisters in the Brotherhood (SIB) encourages women to participate in training, develop their skills and job performance, and value productivity and leadership. With those efforts, today’s Sisters in the Brotherhood is building a better trade and a stronger, more effective UBC. Learn more from your local SIB committees
Sisters in the Brotherhood Newsletter
The SIB TIPS newsletter encourages building a strong Sisters community. Published on a monthly basis, the newsletter welcomes and encourages SIB committees to share their TIPS for success!
Stay Connected with SIB mobile messaging
Get news and information about the SIB delivered straight to your mobile phone. The Sisters in the Brotherhood texting program enables members to stay connected when news about our Union is available.
Canadian members, text “SIB” to 877-705-2267
Office to Advance Women Apprentices
The Office provides ongoing support to tradeswomen seeking work or already employed in the skilled trades. This includes providing career services, employment supports, and networking opportunities for tradeswomen. The Office to Advance Women Apprentices has partnerships with employers, trades unions, government, and training institutions to assist in accomplishing these goals.
Sisters Political Action
Sisters engage in political action to support the people and policies that support Carpenter’s values. Within their Locals and Councils, Sisters help with campaigns, phone banks, material drops, and other things. Learn more about what Sisters have done, and continue doing, to stay politically engaged and knowledgeable. Use this information to start or expand the political actions you take to support Carpenter’s values.
BC Centre for Women in the Trades (BCCWITT)
BCCWITT provides connection, funding, resources and supports for equity priority tradespeople across the province. BCCWITT also offers programs, tools and resources to individuals and organizations that support the attraction, retention and advancement of equity priority people in skilled trades careers.
Ontario Building & Construction Tradeswomen
The OBCT is a committee made up of hundreds of Ontario tradeswomen who are working together to advocate for women and underrepresented gender identities in the trades to ensure they feel inspired, welcomed, motivated, challenged, and empowered.
Tradeswomen Building Bridges
“The North American Network of Women Working in the Construction Trades”, Tradeswomen Building Bridges elevate women in the trades as equal. Their mission is to build North American representation in the global network of tradeswomen advocating for themselves.
Canada Apprentice Loan Service Centre
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting registered apprentices throughout their training. The Canada Apprentice Loan can help you get the money you need to achieve your goals.
When I joined Local 2309 as a construction millwright over 30 years ago, I was informed that I was the first woman in my trade in Canada. There have been so many great moments since then, it’s hard to just pick one. Ask anyone in my family and they will tell you that being a UBC construction millwright isn’t just what I do, it’s what I am, and I wouldn’t know how to be anything else.
— Rita Moore, Millwrights Local 2309, Journeyperson