April 12, 2008

On March 28, Local 445 in Newburgh, New York hosted a two-day steward seminar with more than 70 participants. The seminar focused on the roles and responsibilities of the Teamster steward, the grievance process and building membership participation. Bill Munger, Eastern Region Training Coordinator for the Teamsters Training and Development Department, coordinated the seminar.

"We are very excited to provide this seminar to the members of our local union,” said Cindy Garlinghouse, Vice President of Local 445. “Education of our stewards and members is of the utmost importance. We look forward to hosting more programs like this one.”

Munger led a series of activities and discussions, designed to hone the stewards’ skills and help them find creative ways to engage members and increase participation at local events.

“The program was a success due to the participants’ eagerness to learn and the enthusiastic support of local 445’s leadership,” Munger said.

Karin Jones, Communications and Outreach Coordinator of the Teamsters Training and Development Department, provided the stewards with a session on Teamster history that highlighted the great contributions our members have made to the country through the years.

The stewards enjoyed the sessions and felt the information will be useful on the job. “The presentations were invaluable and the knowledge I gained of Teamster history will help me motivate my members,” said Otis Thompson. “The impact the Teamsters had on this country is amazing.”

“This class was well worth my time,” said steward John Lau. “The knowledge of both instructors was impressive, and all the information provided by them will benefit the members in many ways.”