Women deserve to feel safe at work

We were devastated to learn of the brutal murder of 20-year-old Minnesota welder Amber Czech, killed on the job by a coworker November 11. Our condolences go to her family, friends and coworkers.

Workers are killed at work far too often, for far too many reasons. But this particular loss strikes a nerve for many of our members because it echoes the realities they face every day.

Public reports, including comments from Amber’s family, suggest she had raised concerns with management about her killer’s behaviour before her death. Those details are still emerging, and we don’t know the full picture yet. But we do know this: far too many women in the trades report that when they raise concerns about feeling unsafe, they aren’t taken seriously. They’re brushed off, told to ignore it or made to feel like they’re the problem.

Amber was a young worker who should have been safe at work. Employers have a responsibility to act on warning signs, create safe reporting systems and take concerns seriously. No one should have to “tough it out” to do their job.

Safety isn’t just PPE and procedures. It’s culture. It’s how we talk to each other, how we back each other up and how seriously employers take concerns when they’re raised.

Everyone has a role to play in preventing harassment, hostility and violence on the job.

A GoFundMe has been created to support Amber’s family.

BCFMWU has donated $500 to the fund.

Read the BC Centre for Women in the Trades’ statement here.

Learn how to Be More Than a Bystander.

Access mental health supports here. Union members can access support here.