On Saturday March 8th, 2014, Teamsters Local 769 hosted a Steward Seminar to offer more in depth training to the men and women who are on the front lines of the War on Workers. Stewards came from all over to gather at the DoubleTree in Deerfield Beach, like Charles Pons, a steward for the City of Key West who made the trip up that morning from Key West.
The day began with President and Principal Officer Mike Scott welcoming the stewards who, as he said “are the backbone of the Local.” After introducing the officers and staff of Teamsters Local 769, Mike welcomed Ken Wood, IBT Vice President Southern Region, who spoke to the stewards about the challenges that face our Union and the importance of their dedication as members and stewards.
Next, Mark Shumar, Western Region Director and member of the IBT Field & Political Action Department, gave a passionate presentation about the importance of political action. He explained how each and every one of us needs to make certain that our voice is heard in the political arena. That our values and needs as Union members are defended and represented by our elected officials as well as the importance of casting your vote for those who support labor.
After a short break, Southern Regional Training Coordinator Iliana Flores gave a fantastic presentation on our rich history. Our history as a Union both locally here in Miami and our history nationally, even internationally as she discussed our expansion beyond US borders. A history so detailed and interesting, you will soon see excerpts from Iliana’s presentation make their way to our history page on this website, so keep checking back.
After learning about our past, it was time to learn about our plan for the future. Bill Munger, Eastern Region Training Coordinator and Randy Pines, Local 769 Business Agent and Organizer spoke about the importance of organizing and how to build unity through internal organizing. Bill provided the game plan and explained the best techniques for organizing a workplace and Randy provided the motivation, rousing the room of stewards into the atmosphere of a boisterous rally.
Amazing as it may sound, this was all before lunch. After lunch the stewards broke into workshop groups where they would get information specific to their experience level and the company they work for. Â Iliana worked with the newer stewards and Bill Munger taught the advanced course. Steve Nagrotsky, Deputy Director of the IBT Airline Division spoke to the Airline Stewards and Ken Wood, IBT Southern Region UPS Panel Chairman spoke to the UPS Stewards.
This was one of our best, if not the best Steward Seminar we have held in Local 769.” said Josh Zivalich, Secretary Treasurer of Teamsters Local 769. “Iliana and all of the presenters did a fabulous job today.” Josh went on to say. “Excellent turnout, participation and feedback from the stewards.”
Teamsters Local 769 would like to thank all of the guest speakers and instructors who helped make this event a success and a big thank you to all of our stewards who took the time out of their weekend to participate. It is because of all of you that our Union is stronger today. Keep up the good work and keep fighting!
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