Local 166 Steps Across the Generations

Local 166 in Bloomington, California, sponsored a one-day conference that focused on communications between the four generations in today’s workplace.  More than 80 stewards attended the event, which was held on October 4. Mike Bergen, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 166, welcomed the stewards and thanked them for attending the program. 

“We have many challenges to face today, but one of our strengths lies in the diversity within our membership,” Bergen said. 

Bill Munger, Eastern Region Coordinator, and Sally Payne, Associate Director, both of the Teamsters Training and Development Department, facilitated the training.

Munger presented a session on generational issues and their impact in the workplace. The program featured a number of innovative exercises, including identification of qualities associated with the four generational groups, “Traditionalists,” “Baby Boomers,” “Generation X” and “Millennials,” followed by discussion of the critical events that shaped the world view of these four groups. 

Another part of the conference was an interactive session on effective communications highlighting three major categories that can impact our communications:  demographics, emotional issues and situations. Payne emphasized how important all three of those categories are as they can either enhance or obstruct our communication.

The end of the day was spent examining a step one grievance with documentation and witnesses. Stewards were asked to analyze all aspects of the case.  “Each year we try to expand and enhance the content of our programs,” said Bergen. “The Teamsters Department of Training and Development has delivered time after time.”

The stewards felt the program helped them to have an understanding of the different age groups in the workplace.

“The session gave specific examples of generational differences that I really wasn’t aware of,” said Carole Ranney. “It gave me a better knowledge of others’ points of view.” 

“I loved that we all had a say in this seminar,” said Samantha White. “Very useful materials for this Generation X girl.”