Brothers and Sisters,

As more women join our ranks, I’m pleased to share that Local 537 has a new Women’s Committee. The idea came to pipefitters Julie Hemingway, Savy Francis, and Jane Walsh as a way to represent and support women members.

Check out the full article from the Winter 2021 Newsletter and learn how to join below:

 

Introducing Local 537’s Women’s Committee

Solidarity is a promise that begins on the job and continues into our daily lives. It’s a commitment that we keep to look out for each other, as union members, no matter what. With more women joining Pipefitters Local 537 in recent years, we’re happy to announce that there’s a new way for our Sisters to come together: the Local 537 Women’s Committee.

The idea came to pipefitters Julie Hemingway, Savy Francis, and Jane Walsh as a way to represent and support women members. After some planning meetings, the Committee is now approved and operating. Everyone is welcome to attend the meetings.

With the Women’s Committee, Julie, Savy, and Jane hope to create opportunities for women within the Local to network with one another, build relationships, and call on one another when needed.

Jane, a pipefitter for 28 years, noted how the Committee will serve as a resource for young women starting in the industry. “It helps to be around people who are willing to share their knowledge,” Walsh said.

Savy Francis, an eight-year member, was chosen by Local 537 members to attend the Women Build Nations Conference in Seattle, Washington. There, she participated in a workshop on the benefits of organizing a women’s committee.

“Sometimes, you’re the only woman in your crew,” Savy explains. “So it’s always nice to be able to put a face to a name. That’s how we can really support each other.”

Above all, Julie, Savy, and Jane are driven to lead by example and pay it forward as more women join the piping trades.

“I want to give back to what has given me so much and provided me a beautiful life,” said Julie Hemingway, a third-generation pipefitter for 15 years. “We work hard for it, but it’s a wonderful opportunity, second to none.”

The Women’s Committee is hoping to host their first in-person meeting later this year when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. To join the Committee’s Zoom meeting, reach out to Julie Hemingway at 537womenscommittee@gmail.com.

In Solidarity,


Tom Kerr
Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer
Pipefitters Local 537