The International Administrative Committee believes firmly that consistent, effective member representation is the bedrock of TWU’s success — and is committed to empowering and strengthening our locals. That begins with getting all of our elected officers the training and information they need in order to deliver for members.
With over a dozen training seminars and workshops held thus far — some spanning multiple days — local and International officers are coming together across the union to prepare for any type of representational situation, develop critical leadership skills, and build solidarity.
Right now, dozens of TWU officers are participating in our New Officers’ Training Seminar in Linthicum, Maryland at the Conference Center of the Maritime Institute. This five-day training, held from January 12-16, focuses on developing the administrative and leadership skills necessary to successfully run a TWU local union.
The training is being conducted by TWU staff and recognized experts drawn from the field. The workshop includes presentations on effective leadership, office administration, clear and focused communications, etc. — all critical areas of work within a well-run local union.
Additional areas of focus are TWU history and structure, tools and resources for internal organizing, and how to start and support union committees. All participants are members of their respective local Executive Boards, including top officers.
These union-wide trainings are supplemented by local-specific trainings requested by individual locals and taught by TWU Education & Training Coordinator Bob Wechsler. Targeted seminars on the local level are tailored to the specific needs of the local, including grievance administration, contract negotiations, internal organizing, and Executive Board training.
TWU Local 570 stewards participated in the International’s most recent local-specific training workshop, which was held on January 7th at the request of Local 570 President Dan Rivera. Local 291 leadership opened up their union hall to provide space for the training class. Local 570 represents employees of Envoy Air; these stewards — many of whom were newly elected — represent Fleet Service Clerks who handle baggage on the ramp at Miami International Airport.
Local 570’s steward training concentrated on basic skills of representation, identifying and handling grievances, rights of union stewards and members, writing grievances, and understanding how to resolve workplace issues. Local President Dan Rivera, Vice President Andrew Rangolan, and Secretary-Treasurer Luis Reyes were in attendance, joined by TWU International Representative Jose Galarza.
Further union-wide and local training seminars are upcoming. Local officers should contact TWU Education and Training Coordinator Bob Wechsler for more information and to schedule workshops.