More than half of women working in Ontario’s construction trades have experienced harassment on the job, according to a new survey that warns persistent workplace barriers are undermining efforts to recruit and retain workers in a sector facing critical labour shortages.
The 2025 survey by Ontario Building and Construction Tradeswomen found 52 per cent of respondents reported experiencing harassment, while half said they were dissatisfied with how their complaints were handled. The findings come as the province’s construction industry needs to recruit an estimated 154,100 workers over the next decade, according to BuildForce Canada.
Women currently represent just five per cent of on-site trades and occupations in Ontario’s construction sector, with 14,200 women working directly on the tools.
“Too often, they face avoidable barriers that push them out of the industry,” said Kate Walsh, program manager of Ontario Building and Construction Tradeswomen. “This research provides us with clear data and practical solutions to help employers, unions, and government work together to change that.”
Workforce commitment despite challenges
The survey gathered responses from 342 tradeswomen across Ontario and built on findings from a 2022 survey. It also included interviews with employers and industry partners.
Despite workplace challenges, 82 per cent of tradeswomen said they see themselves in the industry two to five years from now. Sixty-five per cent reported satisfaction with their pay and benefits, while 62 per cent were satisfied with their work environment.
The survey found 58 per cent of respondents entered the trades as a second career, and 54 per cent started after age 25.
Structural barriers limit participation
Beyond harassment, the survey identified several workplace barriers affecting retention. Sixty-five per cent of respondents said they need better-fitting personal protective equipment and access to appropriate washroom facilities.
Childcare emerged as a significant barrier for tradeswomen with children. Fifty-seven per cent reported turning down work due to lack of childcare, while 56 per cent cited scheduling conflicts.
The survey also found 67 per cent of respondents identified increasing women in leadership roles as the top priority for long-term retention. Thirty-seven per cent said gender bias was a major barrier to career advancement.
Recommendations for employers
The report includes 16 recommendations for action by employers, unions and government. Key recommendations include:
- Zero-tolerance enforcement for harassment and discrimination on job sites
- Mandatory anti-discrimination and harassment training in all apprenticeship, union and employer programs
- Industry-wide improvements to personal protective equipment and washroom facilities
- Childcare solutions for workers
- Leadership targets and mentorship programs to support women’s advancement
- Transparent reporting on women’s participation and progress
The report noted the harassment rate, while still high, represents an improvement from the organization’s 2022 survey.
Ontario Building and Construction Tradeswomen is a network that connects and advocates for women in skilled trades. It operates as a program of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario, which represents more than 150,000 construction workers throughout the province.
