On Saturday, February 21, 2009, fifty-five stewards from various industries throughout Utah gathered for a stewards’ training program at Local 222 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Secretary-Treasurer Tom Monthey welcomed the stewards and thanked them for attending. “You are all an integral part of this organization,” he said. “Your dedication and constant efforts to serve the members are key to the Teamsters success.”
The training program, facilitated by Iliana Flores, Southern Region Training Coordinator for the IBT Training and Development Department, covered the roles and responsibilities of Teamster stewards, grievance handling and investigation, and concluded with a brief overview of the current economic status.
Jeff Kendall, Local 222 Business Representative and Organizer, also spoke to the stewards. He discussed the importance of conducting timely and thorough grievance investigations and discussed common grievance mistakes and problems. “The stewards’ active participation and interest in the subjects covered in the program resulted in a successful training program,” said Flores.
The participants enjoyed the program and voiced many positive comments. “This seminar clarified the proper procedures to follow in grievance investigation,” said Michael Cavaness. “That will help me provide better service to my members.”
Cindy Harding agreed. “I feel more confident and empowered to be successful as a steward after the seminar,” she said. “I am ready to get out there and employ some of the skills I acquired today.”
