B.C. Teamster business agents and shop stewards from locals 31, 155, 213 and 464 attended the 2018 Teamsters Women’s Conference in September in Orlando, FL and just steps away from “the happiest place on earth,” Disney World. So this year’s theme, “Dream, Believe and Achieve,” seemed perfectly fitting for the more than 1,300 Teamster women from across North America who packed the rooms, united in solidarity and sisterhood.
These three-day annual conferences feature educational workshops, panels and social activities. But most importantly, the conference provides opportunities to hear inspirational stories from other union sisters about their triumphs in taking action against sexual harassment and gender discrimination.
General President James Hoffa welcomed the Teamster women, expressing his appreciation and commending their enthusiasm and energy. “I’m excited about what we’re doing because we are doing so many good things here,” he said. “This is the year of the woman!”
The Canadian two-part workshop on discrimination against women in the workplace presented the issues unique to women that lead to discrimination, harassment and violence in the workplace. Instructed by Lisa Triano from Triano Law, the delegates examined the various laws in Canada that are designed to protect women in the workplace and discussed whether or not they are effective. They also looked at how collective bargaining could be used to assist with discrimination in the workplace.
