Washington State Governor Jay Inslee has announced the appointment of nine women to serve on the new Women’s Commission, IAM District 751 Retirement Club President Jackie Boschok was one of the appointees.
“Sister Boschok has long been a leader in the causes of fairness and equality for all people,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary Allen. “Her determination, experience and caring heart will serve this committee well. She is the only appointee that comes from Labor, and I know she will keep the issues of working women at the forefront of the committees work. I have known her for a long time and value her insights and respect her willingness to stand up and fight for those who are being discriminated against or ignored.”
The Women’s Commission, created in 2018 by HB 2759, will address issues relevant to the problems and needs of women, such as domestic violence, childcare and support, sexual discrimination and harassment in the workplace, equal compensation and job pathways in employment, and the specific needs of women of color.
“Jackie has been a tireless advocate for women her entire life, a strong female role model and leader, and continues to be active in her retirement – serving as President for both the 751 Retirement Club and Washington Alliance for Retired Americans. Jackie is passionate, tenacious and gives 100 plus percent to every task. Retirement didn’t diminish her commitment to helping others,” said District 751 President Jon Holden. “Jackie is always willing to speak up even when others are not and has made a difference with her leadership over many decades.”
Gov. Inslee stated, “It is long overdue to have a commission dedicated to improving the lives of women in Washington. As we look ahead to the Centennial celebration of women gaining the right to vote in our state, the commission’s work is more important than ever. The commission will be a valuable resource and provide recommendations and advice to my office, the Legislature and state agencies on issues important to all women.”
The appointees were chosen by the governor with input from members of the state House and Senate and community stakeholders. Commissioners will serve three-year staggered terms. In addition to Jackie, the commission includes: Graciela Gomez Cowger (Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, Clark County), Tara Fairfield (Aging and Long Term Support Administration, Pierce County), Monica Holland (Unemployment Law Project, Spokane County), Grace Huang (Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence, King County), Rituja Indapure (Costco, King County), Regina Malveaux (YWCA Spokane, Spokane County), Michelle Merriweather (Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, Snohomish County), Dawn Rains (Treehouse, King County. Michelle Gonzalez was named commission director last month.
Jackie was involved in the women’s movement from her days in college and just after. “I was naturally drawn to the labor movement because of their mission of equality for all”, she said. “I plan to develop a working women’s sub-committee that looks at the pay and benefit gap that all women face – except under a Union collective bargaining agreement; and this disparity follows them into retirement as their social security checks are based on the years of lower pay than their male coworkers.”
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