Amber Czech, a 20-year-old welder, tragically lost her life while at work. She was looking forward to her career, showing up at her job eager to contribute. However, this aspiration was cut short when she was murdered by a colleague who expressed discontent towards her, citing that he “had been planning it for some time and didn’t like her.”
This incident, while shocking, resonates deeply within the trades community, particularly among women and gender-diverse individuals. A troubling pattern emerges—a history of harassment, bullying, and intimidation that often precedes violent acts. Women in the trades report enduring a culture that dismisses their concerns, minimizes their experiences, and perpetuates a work environment where intimidation becomes normalized.
The response to Amber’s murder is echoing throughout the industry, bringing to light the silent struggles many have faced. Tradeswomen collectively feel the impact of this event, as it serves as a reminder of the harassment and bullying that have led to many feeling unsafe in their workplaces. Each woman carries memories of derogatory comments, laughter at their expense, and instances where they had to advocate for their safety only to be met with indifference.
Exhaustion pervades the community as tradeswomen find themselves repeatedly advocating for safe workplaces and the importance of women’s committees and groups. The necessity for respectful job sites is not merely a theoretical issue; it is a matter of survival. These women are tired of explaining why their presence in the trades is essential and why it is crucial to address discrimination and violence.
Amber’s silence regarding her feeling of insecurity is a situation many tradeswomen can relate to. Fear of repercussions often silences those who are victimized, preventing them from reporting incidents. If Amber did voice her concerns, it would not be the first time a woman’s warnings were brushed aside. Current investigations only highlight the ongoing issues that women in trades have long identified.
In the wake of this tragedy, the message is clear: bystander silence must not be tolerated. Everyone involved in the industry must actively create a workspace where concerns can be voiced safely and taken seriously. It is vital to foster an environment where the escalation of harmful behavior is addressed promptly.
To those affected by Amber’s tragic fate, you are not alone. The community stands in solidarity with Amber’s family, her coworkers, and all tradeswomen who see themselves reflected in this narrative. This shared grief and anger motivate collective action, bringing awareness to the ongoing struggle against workplace violence.
We call upon employers, contractors, and supervisors to challenge the culture that has enabled such violence. The notion that intimidation or humor at the expense of others is simply “part of the job” must be rejected. Every worker deserves protection, dignity, and respect—something Amber deserved but tragically did not receive.
As a way to honor Amber, the community is committed to pushing forward, demanding improvements, and ensuring that her name represents a movement toward safer workplaces in the trades.
Support Resources for SMART Members
For those within the SMART community who may be struggling or need support, various resources are available:
- Code of Excellence: This SMART initiative outlines expected professional behaviors and standards for safety and respect on all job sites. Members can find details on the SMART website under Resources → For Members → Code of Excellence.
- Membership Assistance Program (MAP): Offers confidential, free, 24/7 support covering mental health, substance use, and peer support. For help, call the MAP helpline at 1-877-884-6227.
- Rapid Response Protocol: Designed for local leadership to address incidents of bias, discrimination, and harassment. Members can discuss the protocol with local officers and view it online. If someone experiences a harassment incident, they can report it through an incident form available at beforall.org. In life-threatening situations, the immediate step is to call 911.
In unity,
The SMART International Women’s Committee, BE4ALL, and RISE Committee
