I took Shop Steward training last weekend

[Kennah]

This was my third attempt to take the training. In July, class was full up. In October, full up again. I was signed up for a class earlier in November, but there weren't enough so those of us who signed up were moved to the weekend class.

Class was all day both days. While there was a lot of information, I don't think it overwhelmed us.

There were five of us from four different state agencies. I'm 47, and there were two others who were close in age to me--probably a few years older. There were also two younger guys in class, and I told them that it pleased me and reassured me that they were there. Most Stewards are a bit grayer, and I have my share of gray.

Takes a little time to become certified. Local President has to sign off, then the Council President has to sign off. Probably will happen within the next month. Stewards meet monthly. Next meeting is in a few weeks, so I'm hopefully I'll be official in time for the December meeting, but if not then certainly by the January meeting.

For me, I see a number of benefits to becoming a Steward.
- Knowledge is power
- I'm told that some in management apparently are somewhat apprehensive of Stewards, perhaps even a bit afraid
- Good opportunity to both educate and help my coworkers
- Good opportunity to find out the overall vibe and feel of the agency

My hope is to try to pitch Steward Training to others. Even if they don't want to become a Steward, I think the education you get is extremely valuable.

[roody]

1. Sounds good

[Wellstone ruled]

2. Just keep your cool and do your research.

Learn what is in your Contracts and what any pass practices are or were. Your going to have a target on your back for some time to come. Management will quietly assign some dumb ass to push your buttons and if you stay cool they will respect you,if you pop off your dead meat and then they will game the crap out of you. Most important thing is you can protect your crews rights but you can't protect their wrongs. Good Luck. Knowledge is power.

[Sherman A1]

3. Agreed

Not sure about someone being assigned to push your buttons, but a shop steward needs to basically have the contract committed to memory and still have a copy with them at all times. In my time as a steward I mostly just answered really, really bizarre questions from the rank and file who did not have a clue as to what was in their contract.

[mokawanis]

4. Good for you!

I was a steward for about 5 years. Really great experience, even though it was pretty stressful at times.