So, not everyone's a feminist

[Vivacia]

Plasterer arrived today for the first of four days. I am working from home but everyone else is out.

So far we've had,

"You're not one of these modern women are you?" - don't know, not sure what that means.

"Are you a feminist?" - "Of course I am, aren't you?".

My feeling today is to stick it out. He's at the messiest part of the job, the least likely time someone would want to pick up the pieces. His work seems good and he takes pride in doing a good job.

I am desperate to ask what time he'll be finished (because I just like having this kind of info and being able to plan tea and evening etc) but he seems to like having that control, so today I'm not asking. Also, it would mean prolonging contact with him.

Maybe tomorrow, don't ask him, but tell him that he will have to be finished by X time, no explanations, just a time he has to be gone by?

I really don't envy you at all.

Some of your comments have really made me laugh, thank you everyone.

Things have been miles better today by me being a lot less friendly, a lot less available and blocking myself at this side of the house. I have a chair up against the door.

Good idea about me giving a time limit. The problem is I just want the job finished as soon as possible, even if it means him working late. Of course by about 5pm everyone else is home anyway.

"If you appreciate high quality plastering work with a dose of sexual harassment then this is the tradesman for you. My smooth walls were marred only by comments about online pornography and being able to fuck what you like, etc etc."

This is a very good point. Are there sites where women can recommend etc? Could you get into trouble posting a review like that.

there is a "services" section on MN local which includes reviews of local businesses

I'm sure a nearby garage has one. Actually, it might not be an award, more a promise. I thought it was a good idea and well-worded. Perhaps the logo was of a female silhouette, but the wording was along the lines of plain-talking, being polite etc.

A google is bringing up a lot of Australian responses.

yes it's a sad world where an award is required for "we won't patronise or sexually harass women"

i think it would need to be industry-wide codes of conduct with something like the kite mark

I've seen signs up on building sites about the Considerate Constructor Scheme and always thought it was about reducing sexual harrassment from building sites etc. But it doesn't actually mention it in the blurb. Perhaps it supposed to be implicit in Respecting the Community?

It could be extended to tradesmen maybe?

But what are we after? "Don't be a creep?".

I wonder if some kind of positive mention would be a good thing?

I wasn't falling over plasterers to find this one. One I did turn down, who quoted half the price for the job, I turned down because he made two comments along the lines of me checking with my "other half" and getting his say-so to book him.

I've seen those signs and similar Floccinaucinihilipilificate and been aware of the lack of leering and comments. I think they're a Good Thing.

I htink the contruction one came about to stop wolf-whistling and all the rest of it so surprised it doesn't mention it.

I haven't seen / heard a builder make a comment / shout at etc a girl/woman on the street for years so that's good I HATED it so so much.

Maybe the stress of holding it all in means when they get a female client it spews out all over the place?

Wow an eye opening thread, not the original post but the erm, ensuing debate.

I haven't read everything so I don't know if anyone has posted - I saw this Women and Manual Trades website. Not used it but will probably consider it if I need work done.

Our local garage people are all polite and friendly and no-nonsense and just go through lists with you. It feels very much like a policy-thing - we will all talk like this to all our customers - but I like it.

Any nuggets of wisdom from your plasterer today OP? Hopefully you have managed to avoid him...

The avoidance is working, I think. This morning we had,

Me: "So, if you have everything you need, I'll leave you to it"
Him: "Well, you don't make cups of tea do you".
Me, retreating to behind barricade: "No".

Apart from that it's been him telling me about vari-focals, cowboy-builders, a mate's dog that likes to lick the plaster dust off his arms and how many screws he's used (not a euphemism).

Bliley he is interesting isn't he.......

going to use the link upthread to look for a female electrician

aw there's only 5 on there for the whole country! that's a shame