Public Employee Press

Local 1655 conference
Building future leaders

By DIANE S. WILLIAMS

Metropolitan Transportation Authority Clerical Administrative Employees Local 1655 held an educational conference for its executive board and shop stewards Sept. 26-28 in Rye, New York. Immersed in three days of training, they sharpened their skills at resolving workplace problems and grievances and spurring union activism.

“The challenges trade unionists face are many,” said Local 1655 President Donald Afflick. “We need to service our members better, preserve the benefits we have fought long and hard to win and bring home bigger paychecks with our next contract.”

Through open discussions, question-and-answer sessions and role-play, participants learned to resolve day-to-day conflicts that arise at work. Local 1655 represents around 650 members in MTA New York City Transit and MTA Bridges and Tunnels.

DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts and President Veronica Montgomery-Costa, Research and Negotiations Director Dennis Sullivan and Political Action Director Wanda Williams emphasized contract issues and the union’s political gains.
“Training broadens the avenues of communication between our members, management and the union,” Mr. Afflick said. The sessions heightened members’ sensitivity to privatization, contracting out and other tactics management uses to bypass unionized workers.

Motivated to lead
Conference activities helped motivate stewards to mobilize members. Workshops led by Council Rep Melroy Slowe, Pension Counselor Dennis Deahn and DC 37 attorney Robin Roach stressed positive attitudes, mediation skills and the important role stewards play in protecting members’ rights.

“It’s important that trade unionists come together to learn from each other,” said White Collar Division Director Sherwyn Britton. “You are the union’s eyes and ears at the workplace. It’s important for you to know the contract, the rules and the responsibilities, and to understand what is expected of employees and what is expected from management.”

Working closely with Local 1655 and the division, the DC 37 Education Dept. designed the conference — the local’s first in six years — to build future union leaders. Associate Administrator Viviana Tillman told members, “A leader can be counted on to inspire confidence, always get the job done, look for ways to improve a situation and never accept the status quo.” Larry Kelly and Marilyn Moore of the DC 37 Education Dept. organized the sessions.

The enthusiastic activists agreed that the conference was teeming with information they intended to share later with their co-workers. “I plan to use everything I’ve learned this weekend,” said Vonetta Wilborne, a steward with nine years at the MTA. “We have to boost the morale of our co-workers and increase members’ participation. Leaders like Donald Afflick and Ms. Roberts have made so many sacrifices for us. We can make it easier for them and better for ourselves by getting more members involved.”

Urging participants to each bring 10 people — co-workers, friends and family members — to DC 37’s Oct. 29 Rally for a Fair Contract NOW!, Ms. Roberts said, “In City Hall, they will understand we elect our friends and defeat our enemies. DC 37 will not be second to any other union. We will fight for a new, retroactive contract and keep the pressure on until we win.”