Female construction professionals demand better work conditions
The construction industry is male-dominated in Switzerland and beyond.
Keystone / Sigi Tischler
Lack of hygienic facilities and sexual harassment are some of the headaches confronted by women working in the construction industry in Switzerland, according to a trade union survey.
This content was published on
2 minutes
www.swissinfo.ch/ds
Português
pt
Mulheres exigem melhores condições de trabalho no setor da construção
Female construction professionals demand better working conditions and an end to sexism, according to the country’s largest trade union, Unia. It conducted the survey to gain insights into the concerns of women in the construction industry.
The survey found that for 73.1% of women, the lack of clean toilets with running water and waste bins for tampons and sanitary pads is a major concern. More than half of the 300 people surveyed had experienced sexual harassment, whether from customers, colleagues or bosses. A quarter of the participants reported that they had suffered sexual violence at work.
The survey also found that 78% of women in the construction sector work full-time. The survey, conducted from December to March, also found 90.7% would like to better combine work, family and leisure time. Another 92.2% demanded equal pay for equal work.
Unia issued a statement calling on employers to respect the needs and concerns of women in construction and to improve working conditions. This includes better working conditions such as higher wages, clean toilets on construction sites and an end to sexism.
The statement followed the national gathering of women construction workers in Bern on Saturday. The event brought together painters, bricklayers and electricians, among others. Construction in Switzerland is a male-dominated industry, as is the case around the world.
Popular Stories
More
Alpine Environment
My grandmother has lived in the same Swiss village for 100 years
Bodycams: essential for good law enforcement, or a privacy risk?
Did you ever come across bodycams in your place of residence and if so, how do you think the use of bodycams alter the relationship between the public and (transport) police?
Swiss government criticised for delay in insect protection
This content was published on
Five years after the House of Representative's Environment Committee voted in favour of better protection for insects, Swiss NGO Birdlife criticises the government's hesitant action.
Marcel Hug and Elena Kratter to carry Swiss flag at Paralympics
This content was published on
Swiss athletes Marcel Hug and Elena Kratter will carry the Swiss flag at the opening ceremony of the Paralympics in Paris on Wednesday.
Digitalisation increases uncertainty for Swiss creatives
This content was published on
Digitalization could further worsen the legal and social situation of creative artists. According to a new report, social security, copyright and privacy protection are lagging behind developments.
Albane Valenzuela first Swiss golfer to play in Solheim or Ryder Cups
This content was published on
Albane Valenzuela will be the first Swiss golfer to play in either the Solheim or Ryder Cup, the biennial tournaments between Europe and the United States.
Not one Swiss canton on track for Paris climate agreement
This content was published on
Despite some progress, not one of Switzerland's 26 cantons is yet on a trajectory compatible with the Paris climate agreement, which would limit global warming to 1.5°C.
Switzerland should cooperate more on armaments, say studies
This content was published on
Switzerland should focus on international cooperation to strengthen its position, say studies by the University of St Gallen and the federal technology institute ETH Zurich.
Fight against skills shortage is insufficient, says Swiss audit office
This content was published on
The government has been providing the economy with financial support for years to alleviate the shortage of skilled workers. The Swiss Federal Audit Office concludes that these measures have only had a limited effect.
Swiss publisher Tamedia makes massive job cuts and closes printing plants
This content was published on
The TX Group has announced the reduction of around 200 full-time positions in the printing plants of its subsidiary Tamedia.
Why the Swiss became less loyal to their employers
This content was published on
Amid the ongoing labour shortage in Switzerland employees - especially the youngest - are taking advantage of their strong position.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.