2018 Women in Construction: Mary Jane O’Brien

Mary Jane O’Brien, Retired Journeyman Carpenter, Carpenters Local 327

Why did you choose the Construction Industry? In 1981 I was 30, had a husband & two small children. I was into my 10th year at Avis at Logan Airport. My husband was a Union Laborer. I wanted a career not just a job. I interviewed with the business manager at Local 67, in Dorchester. I was offered a chance to enter the 4 year apprenticeship, work 40 hrs a week and make the same pay that my male counterparts did. That was almost impossible at that time. I worked my first 5 years building the Orange Line. It was hard work, but I was treated with the most respect from my brother tradesmen & learned a lot. I went on to all different phases of the trade & finished my last 12 yrs with the same company, Gibson Associates. 

Other than my husband,(who passed away) & my children, joining the Carpenters Union was the best life move I have ever made.