Women in the Steel Industry

Women work as operators in the southern plants of Ternium in Greater Buenos Aires. Female personnel joined the production lines of Ensenada, Florencio Varela, Canning and Haedo for the first time. Their stores set a precedent within the company.

Romina Laura Natale (44 years old), alongside Evelyn Denise Pedulla (25 years old) and Miriam Andrea Navarro (28 years old) work as technicians, and they are the first group of women to work as operators in the plants of Ensenada, Florencio Varela and Haedo respectively. They joined our team in September and, after this, the female personnel continues to increase in all southern plants (including Canning). If we take into account the operators in the plants of Ramallo, Rosario and General Salvio, there are currently more than 27 women working said position at Ternium Argentina. In the General Salvio plant, there are three employees with over 15 years of experience.

How did you apply for the job?

Miriam: "I applied for the job online and I didn't know the company, I was looking for a job so I took the opportunity. I used to work as a cashier, but I'd always wanted to work in a factory. My father and brother have always worked in factories, that's why I thought that I'd like it too. Then, suddenly, I received a call from Ternium. Later on, I continued with the recruitment process and waited for the interviews. I wanted to be part of the team and work as an operator in a factory."

Evelyn: "I uploaded my CV on the web page almost 4 years ago. I knew the company because I live near one of the plants, it's close and I've always thought it is an interesting place, but I didn't really know what was it about. You can't really know the plant from outside."

Romina: "I've known Ternium since I was a kid. My dad, who is already retired, worked as a Maintenance Manager at the Ensenada Plant since he was 30 years old. My brother has been working in the Stripping Department for 15 years. When I visited the plant in San Nicolás, it surprised me and I never forgot that experience. I think I was 10 years old. I think I also have a picture at home from that visit. I asked my father why there weren't women in the factory and he told me it was impossible. I sent my CV to a lot of people and my expectations were low. The graphic industry where I worked was renovating its system, and everything that was happening to me was directly related to the recent pandemic, I was looking for a job since March."

What happened when you gave the news to your families?  

Miriam: "We were very happy and even my father said 'See? You wanted it so bad!'. I always asked him to take me to the factory where he worked, but he told me that it was impossible as "there were only men". My family has taught me about sacrifice, effort, and to always keep going. I gave them the news on my daughter's birthday, and my father told me to take care and gave me some advice. Finally, I told him that I want to give my children everything, like he did with me."

Evelyn: "I live with my father, my mother and my three little brothers. Since I uploaded my CV so long ago, no one thought I was going to receive a call. They were pretty surprised. I found out I was going to be the only woman in the area one day before going to work." 

Romina: "I didn't want to tell my father about the recruitment process before being completely sure. When I received the confirmation notice, I went to his house after the medical tests. He noticed that I was well-dressed, so he asked me where I came from and then I told him that I had gotten a job. When he knew I was going to work in Ternium, he couldn't believe it. He congratulated me. It was like my gift for him. He enjoyed his job very much, and all our family knew that. Ternium is like a legacy from my father to me. Being here is a dream for me."

How was your first day of work? How were you received?

Miriam: "My first day of work was good, I went just to take my training courses. I'm very anxious, so I wanted to do something at least, I was very happy. Everyone received me well, my colleagues and the personnel from other areas celebrated my incorporation. They wished me success. I love everything I do at work."

Evelyn: "I was very nervous on my first day, but everyone treated me so well that I immediately stopped feeling that. I received training on how to pack, they explained me what exactly needed to be in each pack, the security measures, and also, they told me where could I walk in the area. I like what I do. My colleagues are nice, they received me well, and explained everything that I needed to know. Recently, a girl who already worked with me before, joined the packing department as well and I was her guide during her first week.”

Romina: “On my first day I was received by the manager, the leader, and the metallurgist labor union, of which I am already a member. They told me that they would support me any time. They are all wonderful and respectful people. Being received like that is priceless. I'm happy and I love it.”