Behind the Scenes: Gender Equality in Local Union Leadership

This article examines the experiences of local union presidents with respect to gender equality. Based on a qualitative case study of members of union committees dedicated to the status of women and local union presidents working in the Québec education sector, our research points to an unprecedented breakthrough of women serving as local presidents. Nevertheless, the existence of a “triple burden,” the persistence of gender stereotypes and a male union culture, the lack of training and mentoring, and the reliance on solicitation are all hindering the achievement of gender equality. Our research findings also highlight a weak representation of the diversity of social identities within the union organization studied.

Publisher: Département des relations industrielles de l’Université Laval