Local 396, led by Secretary-Treasurer Ron Herrera, sponsored a steward seminar in El Monte, California on November 14. More than 125 stewards attended the one-day program that focused on contract enforcement and interpretation.
Jay Phillips, President and Local 396 LEARN Coordinator, worked with Sally Payne, Associate Director of the IBT Training and Development Department, to develop the agenda and plan the subject matter.
Herrera welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of the steward’s role in protecting the rights of Teamster members at the work site. Jack Peasley, Field Representative from the International’s Department of Field and Political Action, explained the importance of political involvement and how legislation impacts every aspect of workers’ lives.
Payne and Phillips divided the class into workgroups and began the training with a discussion on the essential elements of the stewards’ job. A video was presented, showing the steps to effective grievance handling. Later, the stewards worked on mock grievances and honed their contract-enforcement skills.
The comments from the stewards reflect the value they place on this type of training.
“This training gives me a broader point of view about my role,” said Marco Acuna. “I am better equipped to handle all issues.”
“I am better informed on many topics,” said Maurice Thomas. “I really found the seven tests of just cause to be particularly helpful.”
Overall, the stewards viewed the case studies as a valuable learning tool which helped develop strategies for representing members.
“The most useful aspect of the program to me was how to try to resolve the issue at hand at the lowest level possible in the grievance process,” said George Catellanos. “That will make a big difference in how I approach problems.”
“I am impressed with the materials we received,” said Isabel Esquivel. “The workbooks are great. These are nice to take home and read again.”
