WHEREAS:

The traditional role of the steward is to enforce collective bargaining agreements and protect the workplace rights of members through the filing of grievances; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME stewards provide superior representation of members as a result of these contract administration experiences and training provided by the International Union and affiliates; and

WHEREAS:

The labor movement, in general, and AFSCME, in particular, continue to evolve toward an organizing model based on member participation and inclusion; and

WHEREAS:

The steward is the front line representative of the union in the workplace; and

WHEREAS:

Unions and union members are under increasing attack by right wing anti-worker forces; and

WHEREAS:

The need now exists to provide opportunities for rank-and-file members to become more knowledgeable of union issues and priorities, in order to protect the rights of workers at all levels against these attacks.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That the International Union and affiliates create a more powerful learning environment which will enhance the role of stewards and activists as educators who will take union education to the workplace; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the International Union Education and Leadership Training Department assist affiliates in developing an advanced Steward Training Program which compliments the Local Union Training Instruction the locals currently utilize; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That the International Union Education and Leadership Training Department, along with affiliates, develop and implement a steward/worker educator program which will include mentoring and comprehensive training on a variety of union issues and will be updated periodically.

SUBMITTED BY:

Diana Joslin, President and Delegate 
John Heckard, Secretary Treasurer 
AFSCME Local 3731, Council 62
Indiana