YWITT Statement on the Murder of Amber Czech
Our call to better protect women in the trades
On November 11, 20-year old welder Amber Czech was brutally attacked, which led to her death by a fellow employee at their worksite. It has been revealed that this unprovoked attack was committed by a male employee simply because he “did not like” her .
Amber was not just a young woman starting her career — she was a person who had achieved a milestone through her welding training and was building a future in a field she loved.
We at YWITT are deeply shocked and saddened by this news of a tragic and preventable violent event. Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and co-workers, as well as to everyone in the trades community affected by this devastating loss.
Although this tragedy occurred outside Canada, the incident and implications resonate deeply for our trades community across the Yukon.
This tragedy is more than an isolated crime. Women and gender diverse folks in the trades regularly face hostility, bullying, and harassment in the workplace:
Over 90% of women and gender-diverse workers in the skilled trades reported experiencing sexual or gender-based harassment at work, according to a recent YWCA Halifax study.
A study published in Oxford Academic noted that the majority of women entering welding and electrical trades report harassment, especially during their apprenticeship.
Despite there being a legal obligation for employers to act on reports of harassment, many women in skilled trades report that formal complaints are not always investigated and that retaliation is a common concern, which discourages reporting.
At YWITT, we firmly believe that equity means more than access — it means ensuring safety, respect, and dignity for everyone in trades and technology roles. We call on employers, trade unions, educators, and regulators to reaffirm their commitment to protecting workers, especially those who may be marginalized. That includes:
Implementing or strengthening violence-prevention policies, reporting systems, and protections that ensure workers are safe to speak up without fear or negative consequences.
Exploring training on conflict de-escalation, harassment, and gender-based violence is part of regular safety measures.
Providing and promoting resources, including mental health support, for workers who may feel unsafe or isolated.
Supporting cultural change in trades environments — building workplaces where respect, inclusion, and accountability are not just ideals, but daily practice.
We also want to extend support to our own community: we are committed to holding space for conversation around safety in trades.
To Amber — we remember you, and we honour your life and your passion for welding. May your memory fuel our work to make trades safer and more equitable for all.
— YWITT (YWITT Board and Staff)
