Matthew Fortin, President of the International Ironworkers Local 711, states:
“The presence of women in our trades remains limited, but it is growing. Today, our Local has 104 women out of 3,512 active members, or roughly 3% of our membership. If we broaden the analysis to include members who have logged at least one hour in the past two years, there are 168 women out of 4,599 members, or about 3.7%. Every step forward, no matter how small, counts.”
These figures, though still modest, reflect a genuine movement toward greater diversity and inclusion in the steel trades. Local 711 continues to encourage the next generation of women and support all initiatives aimed at opening the doors of skilled trades to women.
Concrete Involvement: Presence at Tradeswomen Build Nations 2025
This commitment to female representation was also recently demonstrated by Local 711’s participation in the 2025 edition of Tradeswomen Build Nations (TWBN), the world’s largest annual gathering of women in the trades.
This year’s theme was striking: “She’s not waiting, she’s leading.” A particularly relevant message encouraging women to step confidently into supervisory and leadership roles—whether on construction sites, within government, or in unions.
Experience the Event
The event brought together over 5,000 participants, celebrating the solidarity, camaraderie, and essential contributions of unionized women in construction.
In photos from the event, four delegates from Local 711 can be seen marching through the streets of Chicago alongside thousands of other inspiring women from all trades in the construction industry.
Caroline Poudrier: 22 Years in the Industry
Julie Fortin: 3 Years in the Industry
Stéphanie Duchesne: 1 Year and 6 Months in the Industry
Ariane Fortin: 3 Years and 6 Months in the Industry
Through their determination and spirit of solidarity, the members of Local 711 continue to advance the role of women in the steel trades.
Local 711 works daily to protect and improve the working conditions of its members, whether they are involved in ornamental, rebar, or structural steel, on construction sites, in factories, or outside the construction sector.
Your Contact at Local 711
Matthew Fortin
President, International Ironworkers Local 711
514 328-2808
