wwhpchicago.com

Tamera Guilinger: Making Her Hammer Heard on WWHP Board

By Joan McGann Morris Posted April 6, 2007

Recently, Tamera Guilinger was elected unanimously as a member of the Working Women’s History Project’s (WWHP) 2007 Board. She adds a new refreshing distinctive voice, as a proud member of the Chicago Regional Carpenter’s Union, Local 839 of Hoffman Estates, member of Sister’s in the Brotherhood, Chicago NOW, Coalition of Labor Union Women and as member of Chicago Women of the Trades. She comes to us with a rich background and many accolades, including the most recent cover of National Homebuilders Women Build Magazine.
She grew up in northern Ohio and is the second oldest of six children. She was inspired to be a carpenter by her grandfather and economic necessity. Her grandfather, a carpenter, always surrounded her with tools and a strong work ethic. She was pursuing a degree in Physical Education in Indiana but had to leave college due to lack of funds. Then, knowing the construction trade would pay well; she saw the opportunity to work for a woman owned, women-run construction company and began working for Ship Construction Company in May of 1985. From there, her experience and training grew. “ My pursuit of a degree in Physical Education has provided me the platform for physical ability and mental steadfastness to work beside my brother and sister union carpenters” As a woman in a traditionally male trade and as a lesbian, she understands those who are often marginalized and has a strong commitment to giving women a strong voice. In July of 1993, she moved to Hanover Park, Illinois for a better life and to join the Carpenter’s Union. She says, “My drive is to represent women in the skilled trades in their union.” She feels it is important for women to be involved in the decision making process of their unions. Tammy believes, “The advantages of union membership and activism are displayed every time I cash my paycheck, and every hour I work towards my pension. It is 8 for 8, eight hours of pay for eight hours of work. The union provides cutting edge, continuing education for all our members to strengthen our skills. Through this educational process, we are creating a large pool of highly trained and skilled workers with an up to date skill set that the contractors are looking for today. Continuing education strengthens not only our membership but our economy as well.”

This entry was posted on Friday, April 6th, 2007 at 11:48 pm and is filed under Interviews, Working Women's Stories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.