Sisters in the Brotherhoods
Working Women Organizing for Equality in New York City
by Jane LaTour,
Palgrave - MacMillian
ISBN 978-0-230-61918-0
 
A woman fire fighter, carpenter or police officer might raise an eyebrow, but a woman trades worker is no longer a novelty.
 
In the early 1970s, when many women made their first forays into the construction trades, firehouse or truck cab, women were not only a novelty, but often perceived as a threat.
 
Facing sexual harassment and often outright anger, women entered traditionally male enclaves, often simply motivated, like most workers, because they wanted a decent job,
 
In "Sisters," Jane LaTour skillfully weaves together the stories of New York women pioneer electricians, fire fighters, police officers, truck drivers and iron workers.
 
For some women, it was a great opportunity to learn.  Some union apprenticeship programs opened their doors, and an occasional male worker would guide the new hand along.
 
Yet in too many cases, the union fought the women, as they navigated sexist comments, pornography and even issues as basic as restroom access.   African-American and Hispanic women often fought a double battle of race and gender.
 
Feminism sometimes propelled women into the trades; but most were not there to “prove a point,” rather, they were simply looking for a decent job.
 
Janine Blackwater, Ironworkers Local 680’s first female apprentice, remembers her first time walking on a job site:
 
“I remember the first iron workers I met. I remember the first loud mouth and (one) guy who was very insulting.  I remember the first guy who was really nice and kind of took me under his wing.  He taught me things and just allowed me to learn...”
 
Blackwater came to the job with a feminist perspective, but quickly learned to downplay her beliefs, attempting to blend in.
 
The women also formed their own organizations, “Women in the Trades,” where they could discuss their common challenges and search for solutions.
 
Today many trades celebrate their diversity and their open door to women, even though they remain a significant minority in traditional male occupations.  In this book you’ll meet the brave pioneers who had the gumption to break the barriers, often facing heart-breaking contempt, in other cases, earning an uneasy peace and acceptance as their pioneering efforts opened the door.