Detroit Local 337 Holds Steward Training

On the first Saturday after Labor Day, Local 337 held a training for nearly 70 stewards who represented a large cross section of members in southeast Michigan.

“We are very proud of the stewards in this local and the dedication they show in representing Teamster members,” said Lawrence Brennan, President of Local 337 and Joint Council 43. “Steward training is important for skill development in representing our members, building solidarity at our worksites, and organizing.”

During the training, William Black, Joint Council 43 Organizing and Political Director, Black recruited more than half of the attendees to become volunteer organizers who will be trained in how to outreach to nonunion workers throughout the region.

Stewards also gained skill sets on how to organize within their own worksites and how to properly handle grievances. Finally, they participated in a discussion that involved taking a look at the internal and external factors that can influence a bargaining committee.

Local 337 steward Brian Merriman thought the session was “very informative with a lot of good material.”

Thank you for letting me know that I’m not alone out there,” said Doug Richardson.

“Everything I didn’t know was explained in a way where I could understand,” said Diana Manns.

The program was held in the historic Teamsters union hall in Detroit where Joint Council 43 and Local 337 are based. The training helped the Joint Council meet its goal of having 75 percent of affiliated locals conduct steward trainings by the end of 2009.

Also, in support of the new Teamsters Member Organizer Boot Camp, a new goal was set by the Joint Council earlier this summer to recruit and train 150 volunteer organizers by the end of 2010. Joint Council 43 held the first boot camp after the program was kicked off, where more than 80 participants attended the one-day training.