UFCW Local 2008 hosted a Steward Educational Conference at the DeGray Lake Resort Conference Center in Bismarck, Ark., on May 18 and 19. There were 55 union stewards in attendance representing several industries, including retail, meat processing, health care, food processing, cancer research, and transportation.
The classes attended by the union stewards included, “The Union Difference; Why Unions Still Matter”; “Recruiting: Thinking Union, Talking Union”; and “Staying Safe on the Job: The Union Difference.” These classes were led by Robyn Robbins, director of UFCW’s OSH Office, and Diane Thomas-Holladay and Grainger Ledbetter, instructors with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Labor Education Program. John Burnett, the local union’s attorney, was also on hand to answer questions.
The stewards enjoyed being able to speak with their colleagues about the problems and concerns going on in their own workplaces. The stewards also found the classes to be informative and helpful, giving them tips and ideas to use in their respective stores, plants, and facilities.
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