June 27, 2008

On June 3-5, the Teamsters Department of Training and Development held a national Teamsters Leadership Academy (TLA) on Contract Negotiations. The program was hosted by Local 688 and held at their newly dedicated offices in St. Louis, Missouri. The program provided a mix of basic and advanced training on collective bargaining skills which are reflective of the skill levels of the nearly 45 participants who attended from 18 states across the country.

Richard Lipsitz, the lead instructor, gave the participants a thorough overview of the negotiations process and involved them in exercises that mimic real life collective bargaining. Also, drawing on the experience of many International Union staff members, the program covered specific topics such as contract costing, the legal framework for bargaining, as well as putting together a contract campaign and bargaining for health care benefits. 

“This class provided the tools to plan, organize, negotiate and obtain a good contract for our members,” said Larry Weddel, Business Agent from Local 988 in Houston.

In addition, a panel made up of both labor and management explored the topic, “Bargaining in Today’s Economic Climate.”  Panel members, Chris Tongay, Business Agent for Local 688 Becky Strzechowski, Staff Attorney and Business Agent for Local 727; Mark Shumar, Campaign Coordinator, Teamsters Department of Field Action; and Tim Kelleher, owner of TJK Labor Management Consulting, all shared their collective bargaining insights and experience with the group.

“The entire program gave the participants an energetic and thoughtful insight into the very important process of contract negotiations,” said Cindy Impala, Director of the Teamsters Training and Development Department. “Participants walked into this program with a commitment to negotiating strong and effective contracts for our members, and walked out with resources and information to help them achieve this goal.”

The Department of Training and Development provides training for all levels of leadership within the Teamsters Union. For more information on upcoming programs, go to www.teamster.org.