To: Board of Supervisors
From: Ken Carlson, District IV Supervisor
Report Title: ADOPT Resolution recognizing Boilermakers Woman @ Work - Contra Costa, as the Contra Costa Labor Council’s Frances Perkins Award recipient, as recommended by Supervisor Carlson.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT Resolution recognizing Boilermakers Woman @ Work - Contra Costa, as the Contra Costa Labor Council’s Frances Perkins Award recipient, as recommended by Supervisor Carlson.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
BACKGROUND:
See resolution
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
No negative action
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
and for Special Districts, Agencies and Authorities Governed by the Board
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IN THE MATTER OF RECOGNIZING BOILERMAKERS WOMEN @ WORK – CONTRA COSTA WITH THE “FRANCES PERKINS AWARD” AND COMMENDING THEIR LEADERSHIP IN THE SKILLED TRADES
WHEREAS, Boilermakers Women @ Work – Contra Costa is the women’s committee of Boilermakers Local 549, based in Pittsburg, California, organizing journeywomen, apprentices, and allies to recruit, mentor, and retain women in one of the most demanding crafts in the building trades; and
WHEREAS, through year-round mentorship, apprenticeship outreach, and peer support, energized in part by the Tradeswomen Build Nations movement, Women @ Work transforms solidarity into tangible pathways to family-sustaining union careers; and
WHEREAS, the committee’s story is deeply rooted in local history: during World War II, Richmond’s Kaiser Shipyards launched an extraordinary 747 vessels powered by workers, including “Rosie the Riveters”, who welded, fit steel, and proved that excellence in heavy industry knows no gender; and
WHEREAS, the SS Red Oak Victory, preserved in Richmond as the last surviving ship from that monumental effort, stands as a living classroom for that legacy and inspiration for today’s tradeswomen; and
WHEREAS, in 2025 tradeswomen, including members and leaders from Local 549, volunteered aboard the Red Oak Victory to help stabilize and restore the historic vessel, offering the next generation a powerful demonstration of union skill, safety, and sisterhood in action; and
WHEREAS, Women @ Work carries Richmond’s Rosie the Riveter spirit into today’s refineries, power plants, and classrooms across Contra Costa County, opening doors so more women can build the future with union wages and union pride; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of this leadership and service, the Contra Costa Labor Council is presenting Boilermakers Women @ Work – Contra Costa with the Frances Perkins Award at the 26th Annual Labor to Labor Dinner;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors hereby recognizes Boilermakers Women @ Work – Contra Costa for advancing equity, excellence, and opportunity in the skilled trades and for their enduring contributions to the workers and communities of Contra Costa County.
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