April 20, 2008

On March 29, more than 70 stewards attended a stewards seminar hosted by Local 377 in Youngstown, Ohio. The seminar focused on the roles and responsibilities of the Teamster steward, grievance identification and Teamster history. Iliana Flores, Southern Region Training Coordinator from the Teamsters Training and Development Department, conducted the seminar.

Charles Byrnes, IBT Trustee of Local 377, stated that one of the requests he constantly received from stewards was to hold a training program for them. “The huge turnout on this chilly morning tells me you are serious about your positions as Teamster stewards,” Byrnes told the stewards. “I want to thank you for taking on the challenging task of being the representative on the shop floor. Your efforts in effectively enforcing your contracts and representing our members strengthen this local union.”

The participants all had positive experiences at the workshop. “I learned a lot from this seminar,” said Charles Barker. “It really helped me understand how important the steward can be to the members.”

“I have a better understanding of the grievance process and what a real grievance should contain,” he said Chris Jennings.

“This information will help my members as well,” said Michael Tenney.

“All the information, guides and booklets that were provided will help me be a better Teamster steward,” said Jerry Muir. “It was all very worthwhile.”