TEAMSTERS’ 769 SHOP STEWARD SEMINAR A GREAT SUCCESS!

      Mike Scott, President of Teamsters Local 769 invited the IBT Department of Training and Development to design and conduct a Seminar for Teamsters Local 769 Shop Stewards.  The event was well attended, with over one hundred and fifty (150) Stewards in attendance.  It was held on Saturday, June 14, 2008 in Deerfield Beach.

      The focus of the Seminar was to educate the Stewards on the obstacles faced by Unions in organizing new groups, as well as to discuss strategies the Union can employ to combat the “anti—Union” climate in today’s corporate world.  The discussion was led by Mike Scott, Josh Zivalich, Secretary-Treasurer, of Teamsters Local 769 and Myron Sharp, of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Training Department.

      Teamsters Political Action was another important topic of the day, with Labor Law reform high on the Teamsters priority list.  Scott told the crowd misclassification of employees as independent contractors is an issue that must be addressed by state and local governments.  He further informed the Stewards of Teamsters Legislative efforts (at all levels) to reform this employer practice of exploitation. 

      The importance of passing the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) was also covered in the seminar.  A true reform to labor law, EFCA would benefit workers seeking to unionize their work place and simplify the process.  “The support of the Employee Free Choice Act is a critical test for politicians seeking our endorsement” said Zivalich.

      The Seminar concluded with industry workshops, including presentations for stewards specifically working in the Airline Industry, Public Sector, and UPS.  Central States Pension Representative, Jackie Kovacs also conducted an informative presentation for Freight, Cemex, Crowley, and other Stewards with Central States Pension.

      The Seminar was a great success.  “The Local is committed to the ongoing education and training of our Stewards” said Scott.  “The Seminar was very informative” said Mike Cortez, a Steward from UPS in Hialeah.  He added “it was great to see so many Stewards stepping up, wanting to get involved.”