THERE HAVE BEEN FEW WOMEN MEAT CUTTERS IN MILWAUKEE
Scope and Content Note: The trade has been dominated by men. Contract provides that openings for journeymen meat cutters must go first to current employees who are not yet journeymen. Perhaps not more than five women have applied for apprenticeships during the last ten years in areas under Local 73's jurisdiction. Today, there are only two women “journeywomen.” Employers do not discriminate. “It's not appealing to women.” “It's hard work, and a woman would have to be pretty robust.” Even today, primal cuts are difficult to lift, weighing as much as 130 pounds.