The Unfolding Tragedy of Gender-Based Violence in Skilled Trades: A Call to Action after the Death of Amber Czech

The tragic death of 20-year-old tradeswoman Amber Czech in Minnesota has sent shockwaves throughout Canada’s skilled trades community. Amber, a talented welder, was allegedly killed by a male colleague at a work site, an incident that underscores a grim reality: violence against women and gender-diverse workers in skilled trades is an ongoing issue, not a rarity.

An Alarming Pattern

Labour unions and individuals in the industry have been vocal in the aftermath of Amber’s death, expressing concerns about recurring themes of harassment, exclusion, and unsafe working conditions. Personal accounts from tradeswomen reveal a familiar narrative—many report facing retaliation for bringing attention to their experiences of workplace harassment. This is not simply an issue confined to the United States; it reflects a troubling global trend that creates hazardous environments for women and gender-diverse individuals across various sectors.

The timing of this tragic event is particularly poignant, coinciding with the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada, observed on December 6. This day commemorates the lives lost in the 1989 École Polytechnique tragedy, where 14 women were murdered due to systemic misogyny. The fact that we continue to see violence against women in workplaces today highlights an urgent need for change, signaling that gender-based violence is inherently linked to broader societal norms.

The Role of Education in Cultural Change

As an educator and researcher in technological education, I believe there is a pivotal opportunity to transform the culture within skilled trades through teacher education. By preparing prospective trades educators with the tools to foster safe and inclusive environments, we can begin to reshape the narrative surrounding gender and trades.

Experienced tradespeople who transition into teaching roles carry with them the culture and norms from their past work environments. They come from spaces where exclusion and harassment are often normalized. This transfer of norms emphasizes the critical need for teacher education programs to intentionally address these issues. The work of prevention must begin long before individuals step onto a job site.

The Systemic Nature of Harassment

Research reveals that the experiences of tradeswomen—such as exclusion from key tasks, lack of mentorship, and inadequate reporting mechanisms—are systemic issues rather than isolated incidents. Investigations by organizations like the Canadian Labour Congress highlight that the barriers women face are deeply embedded in workplace culture. They often determine who receives opportunities, how seriously their concerns are taken, and the reactions from colleagues when problems arise.

The persistence of these issues over decades indicates a profound cultural inertia, reflecting a long-standing pattern that is resistant to change. This is evident in the narratives of tradeswomen dating back to the 1970s and ’80s, who expressed similar frustrations about exclusion and bias.

Initiatives for Improvement

Amid the despair, there are promising initiatives aimed at systemic change. The Canadian federal government recently launched the Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy. This funding is designed to empower women and create conducive environments in skilled trades. Similarly, Ontario’s Skills Development Fund is investing over $8.6 million to support women.

Moreover, the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum has launched programs aimed at supporting equity in the trades. Such efforts are essential, yet they also highlight that responsibility for combating gender-based violence must extend beyond industry players like employers and unions; it must also include educational institutions and the cultural frameworks within which they operate.

The Broader Context of Violence

Global statistics reinforce the gravity of the situation. According to reports from the UNODC and UN Women, 50,000 women and girls were murdered by intimate partners or family members in 2024—an agonizing reminder that violence persists in both domestic and professional contexts.

The lessons from Amber Czech’s murder are not confined to the trades; they resonate deeply within educational frameworks where young people first learn about trades culture. Teacher education programs, especially in Ontario, must equip future instructors with the knowledge and skills to identify and disrupt patterns of exclusion and harassment.

Moving Towards Effective Solutions

Teacher education programs play a crucial role in changing ingrained attitudes in trades-related fields. Here are four strategies for educators to consider:

1. Teach About Gender-Based Violence: Incorporate discussions on gender-based violence specifically within trades contexts. This approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of how such issues manifest in work environments.

2. Employ Experiential Learning: Use case studies and realistic scenarios to deepen understanding. This method is particularly effective for those transitioning from industry experience into education.

3. Identify Early Warning Signs: Equip teacher candidates to recognize subtle forms of exclusion and hierarchy in educational settings that mirror broader workplace dynamics.

4. Advocate for Cultural Transformation: Encourage future teachers to take on advocacy roles in their communities, challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusivity within trades.

Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women serves as a vital reminder of the need to confront the roots of gender-based violence. Amber Czech’s tragic death is a painful reiteration of the persistent vulnerability faced by women in the skilled trades sector.

As we look towards a future where trades are equitable and inclusive, the responsibility must not solely rest with employers and unions. Instead, it extends into educational frameworks that shape the next generation of trades professionals. By arming future educators with the skills to recognize and address gender-based violence, we can take meaningful steps towards creating safer workplaces and a skilled trades sector where everyone belongs.

The journey ahead will require collective effort, unwavering commitment, and a willingness to dismantle deeply entrenched norms. Only through concerted action can we hope to build a future in skilled trades that is safe, inclusive, and equitable for all.