Northern California Stewards Seminar Is A Huge Success

On October 1, more than 200 stewards attended a one-day training on membership mobilization and mentoring, sponsored by Local 853 in San Leandro, California. 

Rome Aloise, Local 853 Secretary-Treasurer, welcomed the stewards and challenged them to view their role as a workplace organizer equally with their contract enforcement responsibilities. 

“Today, we must look beyond the walls of the workplace and unify workers under a common banner,” Aloise said. 

Stewards representing a variety of industries discussed ways to connect their members to the complex issues facing all Americans. The stewards found the seminar to be very useful and interesting.

“The most useful part of this program was the message of making it more about the collective not just the individual,” said steward Evencio Sanchez. 

Bobby Quinn agreed and said that he also learned new skills on how to get co-workers more active in union activities.

William Tarbox stated that he really appreciated learning additional “organizational skills.” 

Dianna Coughlin was also pleased with the program and found the discussion on tools for informing and approaching non-union members especially useful.

“Stewards have such an enormous responsibility in the labor movement and the leadership of Local 853 does all they can to show an appreciation for their efforts,” said Sally Payne, facilitator from the Teamsters Training and Development Department.