What kind of training does the department offer?

Our department offers state of the art labor education programs for members, stewards, officers, business agents and staff members at local unions throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Who works in the department?

Our department comprises five professional staff members who consult on your educational program, leadership development and project needs, and two members of the administrative staff team who field your calls, fill your orders and provide assistance where needed. From time to time, the department will also call upon the expertise of local leaders or other experts who help us answer your training or project needs.

My members don’t speak English. Do you provide bilingual training or assistance?

If we don’t have the capacity in-house, we can call upon a union-wide network of bilingual trainers and translators who can help your local union get the information or programming you need. (Individual locals may be asked to underwrite any fees associated with simultaneous translation or other materials that may need to be translated into other languages.)

Where else can I get training assistance?

Remember, the Department of Training and Development is not a "labor college," per se. While we conduct more than 125 programs each year, we do not have the resources to run program 365 days a year. Rather, we encourage our affiliates and members to look into other labor education resources that offer year-round, weeklong courses throughout the United States and Canada, where you can pursue labor studies degrees. Also, you may have a college or university-based labor education center in your area, too. Call us and we can mutually explore ways you can supplement the department's materials, programs and services.

How do I set up a labor education program in my Local Union?

If you’re a member or a steward, please express your interest to your business agent or principal officer. If you’re a principal officer, please feel free to contact the Department of Training and Development at any time to schedule a program with us.

What kind of information and materials does the Department of Training and Development offer?

We are currently rewriting many of our department materials so that we can offer you the latest on all subjects related to union administration, collective bargaining, membership mobilization, effective communications and leadership, among others.

What is the Teamster Leadership Academy?

The Teamsters Leadership Academy (TLA) is a leadership program that was established in 1986 to provide Local Union leaders with the information and skills they need to address an ever-changing workplace and labor relations environment. The Teamsters Leadership Academy is held both in Washington, D.C. and by region. The Department of Training and Development typically notifies all affiliates about upcoming dates for TLA.

Do you have any information or material that I can use to make presentations to elementary, secondary or post-secondary students? What about career days?

Yes, we have a wide variety of materials that may be useful to you. Please call the department and consult with one of our coordinators on what kind of audience you will address and when you will need the information sent to you. The department is committed to helping young people connect with the real world of work, particularly union jobs in growth industries.

Does the Department of Training and Development have any sample agendas of the type of programs offered?

Sure we do, but remember: the department will want to tailor as much of the program as we can to the stated needs of the local.

How soon can I set up a training program?

Our programs and services are highly popular. We ask local affiliates to give us at least six to nine months' lead time in scheduling a labor education program conducted by our department staff. However, if your local has a critical need, please do not hesitate to call us and we’ll see if it’s possible to address that issue.

What is the cost of setting up a program?

The cost is usually minimal. Local affiliates are responsible for setting up a room (usually the union hall) and providing some audiovisual support. We charge for some of our publications to offset printing or reproduction costs. Unless your local holds the program in a rented facility, like a hotel, the only cost is your time and effort!

What about scholarship aid. Does your department handle that?

No, please contact the James R. Hoffa Scholarship Fund for information on scholarship assistance for Teamster families.