One of the most exciting new aspects of the
Training and Development Department is the LEARN (Labor Education and
Resources Now) network. Sally Payne, the Associate Director of the Training
and Development Department and Western Region Training Coordinator, has
developed the LEARN network to enhance the services provided by the
department. Payne, who will oversee this national program, believes the new
structure will help locals and Joint Councils participate more fully in the
training process and showcase “best practices” among Teamster affiliates.
Each Joint Council has been asked to
select an individual to take on the role of Joint Council Training
Coordinator. The Joint Council training coordinators will assist the
regional Training and Development staff by compiling resources in the area
that can be used in programming, helping to implement training programs on
relevant topics and assisting with event logistics.
The Joint Council coordinators have asked
each local within their joint councils to select a local union training
coordinator. The Joint Council and local union coordinators will work
together to help expand the quality and number of programs available to all
members. The department will provide a “train the trainer” program in order
to have a large number of trainers at all levels available to assist in
training programs with the ultimate goal of growing the union and returning
power to the labor movement.
“Training members is an important task for
the union and must be done well,” Payne said. “Having a structure in place
that includes regional, Joint Council and local union coordinators will help
ensure that resource materials are current, and topics are timely and meet
the needs of our members. It also gives Teamsters a great deal of experience
a chance to be involved in the training process.”