Tara Cavanaugh knows that connecting with workers in other industries and countries is a crucial component to building collective power. This is why she jumped on the opportunity to travel with several other USW Women of Steel to Birmingham in the U.K. to attend Unite the Union’s “Women’s Week” held this past Aug. 11-16.
“It was amazing,” said Cavanaugh, who works as a USW staff representative in Calgary, Canada. “Our hosts were phenomenal. Everyone within Unite was good to us.”
During the weeklong event, Cavanaugh attended an Organizing in the Workplace workshop series, which allowed her to see how much workers in the United States have in common with workers around the world. She said it is vital for the union to be involved in global partnerships like this in order for everyone’s experiences to improve.
“It’s great to share our struggles and our wins; we feed off of each other,” Cavanaugh said. “I was able to get information from there that I could take back with me. It’s about getting a different perspective.”
Cavanaugh also said the workshop helped open up each attendee and instill a newfound sense of confidence.
“By the end of the week, everyone had a light on their faces,” Cavanaugh said. “The whole week really provided motivation and knowledge of what we all need to do moving forward.”
Cavanaugh, who believes getting involved in Women of Steel always felt like a natural fit, got her start in the labor movement as a screener at an airport and a member of Local 1-417. She also served as steward and vice president.
She understands that not every woman is naturally assertive and willing to enter leadership positions. However, she believes every woman has what it takes; they just need to take the first step.
“So many women decide we’re not going to do things. We wait to be invited,” she said. “We don’t need to wait anymore. Just do it.”
Click here to watch a video of highlights from Women’s Week.