2SLGBTQ+ Tradespeople Invited to take part in YWCA Halifax Shift Change’s Queers In Carhartts

THERE IS A PREDICTED SHORTFALL OF 61,400 TRADE WORKERS BY 2032.

16.4% of young adults identify as 2S/LGBTQ+ in Nova Scotia. Recruiting then can help bridge this gap.

The YWCA's study of gender-based violence found that women and gender diverse people reported a high prevalence of workplace sexual and gender-based harassment in the skilled trades sector. Over 90% of survey respondents reported experiencing at least one form of sexual and gender-based harassment while working in the skilled trades in Nova Scotia, with the majority (84%) of sexual and gender-based harassment occurring while women and gender diverse people were on a jobsite or at their workplace.

Over 95% of those engaging in harassing behaviours were men, and over 65% of respondents said that their main harasser was someone in a position of power in their workplace.

This is indicative of a workplace culture that does not prioritize the safety and comfort of women and gender diverse people. It is important to get a better understanding of these issues to increase diversity in the trades.

Are you a 2SLGBTQ+ tradesperson working in construction or manufacturing in Nova Scotia?

You are invited to participate in Queers In Carhartts, a research project about your experiences at work! Supported by the YWCA Halifax, this research is being led by trans community members. Your contributions are essential to illuminating and improving the lives of 2SLGBTQ+ tradespeople across the province.

Participants have the opportunity to be compensated $60 for their time taking the survey, and 2SLGBTQ+ tradespeople may choose to participate in more in-depth interviews.

2SLGBTQ+ tradespeople are invited to take the survey at the link below:

Construction and manufacturing managers and employers are also able to participate through a different survey, which can be found here:

For more information, click on the link below or email queersincarhartts@gmail.com

Community Research Ethics Board Approval # 420