More than 180 stewards turned out for a training program sponsored by Joint Council 41 in Cleveland, Ohio on November 14. Local 436 hosted the seminar.
“The feedback received was overwhelmingly positive. Stewards remarked that the information they obtain in these trainings assists them in performing their duties more efficiently,” said Gary Tiboni, Joint Council 41 President. “This type of training strengthens our union at all levels.”
A number of issues and topics were covered during the day-long program, including the overall role of the Teamster steward, organizing information, Weingarten Rights, how to conduct effective meetings, and outside influences facing contract bargaining teams.
James Petroff, a Cleveland area labor attorney, also presented a training segment on the identification and prevention of sexual harassment. Nick “Sonny” Nardi, Local 416 President and Joint Council 41 LEARN Coordinator, also helped with the development of the program.
The stewards enjoyed the program and gave it high marks for content.
“The training segments gave us a lot of good information that will be useful on a daily basis,” said Gail Belknap. “I look forward to getting started.”
Local 436 Steward Paul Morabith agreed. “Trainings like this help us remember how important the role of the steward really is,” said Paul Morabith. “And having well-trained stewards means providing better service to our members.”
Brian Jacobs of Local 284 noted that he gained new skills.
“Thank you for the day,” said Arlene Johnson of Local 637. “It gave me the skills to have more confidence in dealing with management.”
