Local 763 hosts “Building Membership Solidarity” Seminar

More than 60 stewards, predominately from public sector units, attended a one-day seminar sponsored by Local 763 in Tukwila, Washington. The seminar, held on September 26, focused on building member solidarity. 

“The union needs to continue making training one of our higher priorities as educated stewards and members is critical,” said Dave Grage, Secretary-Treasurer of  Local 763. “This local is committed to training at all levels. I firmly believe that education, at all levels in our union, is essential to our mission and our future.”

The program was facilitated by Sally Payne, Associate Director of the Teamsters Training and Development Department. The stewards analyzed the issue of member apathy and developed ideas to reconnect the members to their union. 

Joe Arnold found the program to be eye-opening.

“The idea that we can effect more change than we may normally have realized was really useful,” Arnold said.

“It is always encouraging to see how creative and motivated stewards are on this topic,” Payne said. “Our members, stewards, business agents and officers have a huge amount of talent. Harnessing all of that ability and directing it toward improving workers’ lives is what being in a union is all about.”