Modern Day Rosies: Women at the Railroad Workplace at Nippon Sharyo Illinois rail car factory

Modern Day Rosies: Women at the Railroad Workplace at Nippon Sharyo
http://www.aflcio.org/Blog/Other-News/Modern-Day-Rosies-Women-at-the-Wor...
0COMMENTS08/07/2015Ricky Angel and Rachele Huennekens

During World War II, Rosie the Riveter inspired women to take on jobs traditionally held by men, with the iconic slogan declaring “We can do it!” Modern day Rosie the Riveters are still doing it, working hard as electricians, assembly technicians and quality inspectors at transit equipment manufacturing facilities such as the Illinois rail car factory of Nippon Sharyo.

While these women are bravely taking on leadership roles, they still face challenges when they speak up on the job. Jennifer Svenkerud, a two-year veteran at Nippon Sharyo, recently blew the whistle on safety concerns, including fall hazards up to 17 feet, and was fired shortly after.

Jennifer had previously stood her ground, knowing that workers should be guaranteed safety, and reported the safety violations to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), whose inspectors found more than 11 safety violations this year. Read more about it here, here and here. Jennifer is adamant, “We need to make sure the workers are safe, and that they can go home every day the same way they went to work.”

Donna Comp-Penwarden, a quality interior inspector, has also faced challenges as an outspoken woman worker at Nippon Sharyo. Photo by Deanne Fitzmaurice
“Recently, I was told [by manager that] I had a promotion as a team lead, but it was taken away, they said it was all a misunderstanding," says Donna Comp-Penwarden. Donna applied for the position, pointing out her years of experience and background in quality assurance. “Instead, they promoted a guy who had no background [in quality assurance] … I know 100% I was more qualified than him.”

Stacey Corcoran, a 24-year transit manufacturing veteran, made it well known early on that she would not tolerate discrimination. Photo courtesy Deanne Fitzmaurice
“At the beginning, we had one of my co-workers who treated one of the girls pretty bad,” says Stacey Corcoran. “I stepped in, and said, ‘Let’s not forget, I’m a female, I know more than you do, I make more than you do, and I’m little. So what now?’ And he got the message right then and there.’” Stacey’s long experience in transit manufacturing has made her a linchpin in the workplace. “I was the only one that walked into this brand-new facility that could step in and build,” she said.

Workers at Nippon Sharyo are banding together, supporting brave women like Jennifer who demand their rights to have a safe workplace. Recently, Jennifer said, “Stand up for yourself. Stand up for your co-workers!…Workers need to come together.”

All workers should have the right to work in a safe environment without the fear of harassment or discrimination. Modern-day Rosies like Jennifer, Donna and Stacey are addressing issues important to workers and showing true leadership on the factory floor.

Over the last 70 years, women have lived up to the Rosie the Riveter chant by showing that women can build. Now, it’s up to us to show our support for them. As the original Rosie said, “We can do it!”

In solidarity, show your support by signing the petition urging Illinois public transit agency Metra to reinstate Jennifer Svenkerud and ensure safe working conditions for Nippon Sharyo workers.