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PEP Jul-Aug 2014
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Public Employee Press

Shop steward training program
Learning to be Leaders

By ALFREDO ALVARADO

Shop stewards who want to improve their skills and members who are thinking about becoming more active in DC 37 and their locals can start by taking the interesting and useful General Shop Steward Training course offered by the DC 37 Education Dept. The 10-session course is the perfect introductory step on the road to becoming an effective union leader, and members who complete it can go on to a wide range of advanced classes.

"DC 37 is a large union with so many departments and locals that it can be confusing to figure out all the services it provides and where to go for help," explained Health Services Employees Local 768 President Fitz Reid, who always encourages his members to sign up for the course.

Stepping up

Public Health Advisor Anthony Scruggs took Reid's suggestion. During his seven years on the job, Scruggs has always enjoyed helping other members resolve issues at the workplace. Recently he decided to get more familiar with the issues and ways to help. "A lot of members need assistance, and it was time for me to step up," he said.

The weekly two-hour classes are held in the evening at the union. Each class covers a subject important for the current or aspiring shop steward, including the duties and responsibilities of the steward, grievance handling, legal issues, union-provided benefits, the economic agreement and unit contracts. During the course, staffers from various DC 37 departments make presentations on legal issues facing the union, safety and health regulations, pensions and other member benefits.

"I enjoy working with the members in the class, especially the newcomers, because they're so eager to learn," said Education Dept. Assistant Director Claire Menelas, who heads the Labor Education Unit. "We have lively discussions and do role playing, and at work they get a chance to put into practice the things they study in class."

Scruggs appreciated learning about the members' rights at work, such as the Weingarten Rights to union representation at investigatory interviews.

Posting union newsletters and articles for coworkers to see is also a right. "I was surprised to learn that," Scruggs said. "You often get the wrong information from people, so this course really cleared up a lot of things for me."

After Scruggs completed the course and received his certificate, he became a shop steward and was named to Local 768's Executive Board. Now he plans to take advanced courses. "The more I learn, the more I can help our members," Scruggs said.

For more information about upcoming steward training and to get an application, members may call the DC 37 Education Dept. at 212-815-1700 or visit the union website at www.dc37.net.

General Shop Steward Training is offered during the fall, winter and spring. You do not have to be a shop steward to register. Stewards who have completed the first course are eligible to take advanced classes, including Advanced Grievance Handling and Arbitration, Public Speaking, Writing for Shop Stewards, Conflict Resolution and Milestones in Labor History.



 
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