April 30, 2008

On April 12, approximately 100 stewards representing diverse employers gathered at the Newark Airport Holiday Inn for a day of training and camaraderie provided by Local 641 in Union, New Jersey. Teamsters Training Coordinator Myron Sharp facilitated the program with additional presentations from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS).

“We started the morning with a stewards’ breakfast,” said Bill Cunningham, President of Local 641. “It was a great time to come together, break bread, and socialize a bit. It set the tone for the day.”

Don DiLeo, President of both Joint Council 73 and Union, New Jersey-based Local 408, welcomed the stewards and thanked them all for their great work within the local and Joint Council.

The program included information and discussions on a variety of topics. FMCS Commissioners Carlos Tate and James Kenney informed the participants on how the FMCS works and the services they provide to unions and employers to advance collective bargaining and dispute resolution. U.S. Department of Labor Federal Agent Gerald Ruane gave an overview of the Family Medical Leave Act and led a lively discussion on the proposed modifications now being debated on Capitol Hill.

Sharp wrapped up the program by leading the stewards through a presentation on contract enforcement using the grievance procedure.

“Stewards are the protector and enforcer of contract language and must be well-educated on the procedure to protect members against management abuses,” Sharp said.

“I feel much more qualified to represent the members and the union with the new information provided at this workshop,” said Paul DeRisi, Jr.

“The seminar provided great information all around,” said John Kelley. “I look forward to more programs like this in the future.”