An article in the Associated Press addresses the evolution and challenges of female participation, especially of black and Latino women, in the US union movement. Although women make up about half of union members, their presence in leadership positions has declined, even in sectors where they are a majority. However, there are signs that this reality is changing, with the rise of black women in prominent positions in some of the largest unions in the country.

The presence of Black and Latinx women in union leadership has been crucial in driving meaningful change in negotiations, such as the inclusion of family benefits such as maternity leave and health care, as well as protections against sexual harassment. According to the article, historian Lane Windham notes that, although the stereotype of unions is of white men in industrial professions, reality shows that two-thirds of workers under union contracts are women and/or black people. This reflects a shift in union dynamics, especially in sectors such as hospitality, where Gwen Mills, the first woman to chair the UNITE HERE union, led more than 12,000 workers on strike for better pay and working conditions.

Black and Latinx women face intersectional challenges of racism and sexism in the workplace, but this reality also motivates them to fight for more justice. According to the publication, they have played a key role in the growth of unions, as demonstrated by increases in union membership of Black and Latinx women, while membership of other categories, including white men, has been declining. The increase in the representation of these women in leadership positions has historical roots, but the #MeToo movement and the pandemic have accelerated this rise by putting the spotlight on essential workers, many of whom are women and minorities.

Examples from diverse union leaders, such as Becky Pringle (NEA), Bonnie Castillo (NNU), and April Verrett (SEIU), show how women have used their influence to bring about change, not only in labor issues, but also in social justice. However, as historian Emily Twarog points out, there is still much to be done, especially in male-dominated fields such as construction and manufacturing, where cultural change has been slower, and sexual harassment and prejudice remain serious problems.

Sectors such as education, hospitality and flight attendant stand out for their achievements under female leadership. In the educational field, unions such as the Chicago Teachers Union have broadened the scope of negotiations to include social issues such as affordable housing. In hospitality, workers like Maria Mata led the implementation of safety measures against sexual harassment, such as panic buttons. And in the airline industry, union leaders like Keturah Johnson have been fighting for more inclusive uniform standards for flight attendants, pushing for significant changes at several airlines.