Educational Classes Registration Form - 2026

Thinking about Retirement Seminars Relaunch 3^rd Wednesday of each Month

10AM Retirement Seminar

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_K8cK3yTiSLGbwUDz8UIvnQ

4 PM Retirement Seminar
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_u-v17jcARO-fJtmG5ArAXw

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IAM 751 Class Descriptions:

The classes listed below are two hours in length total, and two modules will be taught at each training session. The training is open to stewards and members.

Module 1 — Role of the Steward

• In this class, we’re going to discuss why we have stewards. By the end of the class, each of you should be confident about your role as a steward. We will discuss connecting members to each other and to the union and how to build power for our local. We will discuss some of the things you should know as a steward and what skills you should have. We will also talk about what tools a steward should have to do their job effectively.

Module 2 — Interacting With Management 

• Not a grievance? Is that all or is there something else that can be done? We are going to explore some tactics that may help us solve our members' problems outside the grievance procedure. At the end of this class, you should feel confident about communicating effectively with management. Why are listening skills so important and what barriers to listening? A big portion of a steward's job is to solve problems. If we are not communicating and listening effectively it will hurt our chances of being successful. 

Module 3 — Steward Rights and Responsibilities 

• In this class, we’re going to discuss Steward Rights, getting the facts, and grievance preparation. By the end of the class, each of you should be confident about your rights as a steward, what information you are entitled to when investigating a grievance, and feel confident on your ability to properly prepare a grievance.

Module 4 — Duty of Fair Representation

•  In this class, we’re going to discuss Duty of Fair Representation. By the end of this class, you should be able to define the Duty of Fair Representation and know when DFR applies. You should be able to understand how accusations of DFR violations can harm the union, both in time and money. You will be able to identify ways to prevent DFR accusations. 

Module 5 — What is a Grievance?

•  By the end of this class, you will be able to determine the grounds for a grievance and what we should consider when filing a grievance. What do we do when a member has a complaint? What if that complaint is not a grievance? As stewards, we are expected to help solve problems. We will think through potential actions a steward can take to help solve problems. Finally, after you have determined you have a grievance, we will talk about the best practices in writing that grievance. 

Module 6 — Investigations 

• In this class we are going to discuss the importance of a good investigation before you file a grievance. We are also going to discuss the elements of a good investigation.

Module 7 — Discipline Cases

• In this class we’re going to discuss grievances over discipline and discharge. Where do we start when a member is disciplined or discharged? We start by knowing just cause and what just cause standards are. Thinking through just cause standards and taking apart the case. Do they apply to our grievant?

Module 8 — Contract Cases

• In this class we’re going to discuss contractual grievances. What does the Union have to prove in a contract case? We will discuss the standards of contract interpretation; what does the arbitrator consider when deciding on a contract case? We will take a look at past practice and the different kinds of past practice.

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