ATU Rolls Out New Innovative Shop Stewards Training - First Stop in Connecticut and Kentucky
Our Union is excited to roll out our revamped innovative Shop Stewards training this year to better prepare our Shop Stewards to fight for the rights of our members.
Conducted by ATU International staff, the interactive training focuses on the important role of Shop Stewards within their Local, along with discussions on leadership, organizing, legal issues and communication. The attendees learned skills, strategies, and the rights of a Shop Steward to strengthen our Locals, protect our members, and prepare for the battles ahead. Featuring hands-on exercises, attendees learned their legal rights, bargaining tactics, grievance procedures and handling, and other duties of the job.
This new training brings together a mix of experienced and new Shop Stewards, to give attendees a unique opportunity to also learn from the experience and expertise of their fellow Shop Stewards.
Mystic, CT
The new training was kicked off in Mystic, Connecticut with more than a hundred Shop Stewards and Officers from 18 Locals in attendance ahead of the New England Joint Conference Board (NEJCB) meeting. International President John Costa opened the training. “As a Shop Steward, you play an important role for your Local and our members. You must organize, strategize, and think outside the box,” Costa told the attendees. “We’re going to see a lot of fights in the year ahead. That’s why these trainings are critical, and that’s why we’re going to bring even more of them to you. Together, with these new skills, we’re going to continue fighting for our members and winning.” Costa also discussed micro-transit and new technology, driver safety, and other issues important to our members.
Joining Costa at the training were International Executive Vice President Yvette Trujillo, International Secretary-Treasurer Ken Kirk, International Vice President Mark Henry, and New England Joint Conference Board Chair Jim Evers from Boston Carmen’s Local 589.
Louisville, KY
The next training was held in Louisville, KY, with more than 50 Shop Stewards from Locals across the region. Costa kicked off the training along with Trujillo, Kirk, and International Vice Presidents Marcellus Barnes and Natalie Cruz.
“Why are we here today? Because knowledge is power. I have learned that throughout my career in the ATU. As Shop Stewards, you are on the frontlines, and it can be frustrating. I was in your shoes when I served in various positions at my Local 819 in Newark, NJ,” Costa told attendees. “It is important for you to have the tools you need to do your job. As a former maintenance worker, I know it’s important to have the right tools, but if you don’t know how to use them, then they are useless. This training will not only provide you with important tools but teach you to use them to fight for the rights of our members in the workplace.”
Thank you to all our members who attended these important trainings to better serve our members. Stay tuned as we schedule more of our new Shop Stewards Training across the U.S. and Canada.