LIUNA is setting a new standard in the unionized construction industry by introducing the most expansive maternity leave policy to date, effective January 1, 2025. The new policy will provide eligible female LIUNA members with $800 a week for at least 12 weeks of paid maternity leave, marking a significant advancement in LIUNA’s workplace benefits for women.
This announcement took center stage at the Tradeswomen Build Nations conference this September, which gathered over 5,000 women – more than 600 of whom were LIUNA members – from across the building trades to address the unique challenges they face within the construction industry and to offer mutual support. Last year, parental leave was among the top concerns for female building trades members. During this year’s event, LIUNA General President and LHSFNA Labor Co-Chair Brent Booker announced that LIUNA would now address this issue, emphasizing the union’s commitment to strengthening its support for women in the trades.
“This policy ensures that women will no longer have to choose between being a mother and being a Laborer,” said Booker. “We’re looking to the future, and we want all of our members – especially our female members – to know that we value them, we value their families and we’re committed to helping them thrive.”
LIUNA recognizes that retaining women in the industry requires more than equal pay and equal opportunities – it also requires tangible support during key life events like childbirth. Lisa M. Sabitoni, the LHSFNA’s Executive Director, praised the new policy as a critical piece in the larger framework of inclusive workplace practices.
“By providing this maternity leave benefit, LIUNA is not only responding to the immediate needs of working mothers, but also building a culture where women feel supported both professionally and personally,” Sabitoni said.
The LHSFNA played an integral role in collaborating with LIUNA staff and health and welfare funds across the country to gather data and provide the insights necessary to develop this comprehensive policy. Their efforts ensured the policy is both supportive of women’s needs and structured for long-term viability.
LIUNA’s new maternity leave benefit is part of a broader movement to make construction jobsites more inclusive for women, aligning with recent measures such as the Pregnant Workers’ Fairness Act (PWFA) and the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers (PUMP) Act, which support the rights of working mothers and promote a family-friendly workplace.
At the Tradeswomen Build Nations conference, General President Booker also took time to champion the advocacy efforts of LIUNA’s Washington and Northern Idaho District Council of Laborers and other LIUNA affiliates who successfully lobbied for the passage of HB 2266 in Washington State earlier this year. This historic legislation improves sanitary conditions for construction workers by ensuring access to menstrual products, breastfeeding accommodations and designated sanitary spaces – an important step toward fostering a more inclusive environment for women on jobsites.
Booker acknowledged the significance of this achievement, noting that initiatives like HB 2266 help set a new standard for jobsite equity, making it easier for women to build long-term careers in construction.
LIUNA’s commitment to advancing the interests of women in the construction industry goes beyond policies and legislation. By continuously adapting to meet the needs of its members and by promoting a more inclusive culture, LIUNA aims to attract and retain more women in the trades.
“We know that paid maternity leave is a game-changer,” said Booker. “It’s one piece of a larger puzzle, but an important one. Our goal is to create a future where women in construction have the support they need to thrive, not just on the job, but in their personal lives as well.”
As LIUNA continues to work alongside its members, policymakers and industry partners to break down barriers and create a more inclusive workplace, this latest announcement reflects a shared vision for a stronger, more diverse workforce – one that values and supports all its members through every phase of their careers.
[Natalie Kulick]
