Report on the Union Leadership Training Conference at Ruttger's

In September I went to the Charley Richardson Educational Institute.  This was my second year in the program, and the theme was “Building Your Skills as a Union Leader.” 

My two amazing instructors were Nancy Lessin and John Lepley.  They walked us through how important health and safety is in the workplace, and how paying attention to those kind of issues is an important way to strengthen our union.  They shared ideas for how to deal with changes in the workplace.  And they also instructed us on how to be better at communicating.  We were put into small groups to practice our news skills, as well as to allow us to share experiences and information.

I want to thank everyone for giving me this wonderful opportunity to develop my union leadership skills.  ~Michelle Johnson

This was my 4th year at the Ruttger’s conference.  The theme of year four is arbitration.  I found it very interesting to learn about cases where the burden of proof falls on the company side.  At the end of the week we had to put on a mock arbitration in front of all of the other students.  We got a script to go by and then each side had to build a case.  I was on the company side.  At the end of the mock arbitration our side didn’t get a clear cut win, but it wasn’t a complete loss either.  The arbitrator ruled for the union side, but stated that the employee would only get one more chance.  Which can happen in real cases. 

I found it a very worthwhile and realistic training, and I highly recommend Ruttger’s.  ~Brenda Simon