Training & Education

USW LOCAL 983 · TRAINING & EDUCATION

Union knowledge belongs to every member.

Union education is not limited to elected officers. Members build a stronger Local 983 when more people understand the contract, representation, safety, communication, organizing and how union decisions are made.

The resources below identify verified USW and AFL-CIO learning opportunities. Availability, schedules, registration, sponsorship, costs and eligibility can change. A link does not mean Local 983 has enrolled a member or approved paid time, travel or reimbursement.

LEARN · PARTICIPATE · LEAD

Ways to build union skills

Steward and representative development

Training can help members listen well, document facts, communicate clearly, understand grievance handling and support coworkers. Interested members do not need to wait until they hold office to begin learning.

Leadership and local-union administration

USW education covers areas such as union leadership, local administration, membership engagement and the responsibilities that come with representing others.

Bargaining, grievances and the contract

Members can strengthen the local by learning how agreements are negotiated, interpreted and enforced. Local 983-specific rights, steps and deadlines must always be checked against the executed CBA, related memoranda and applicable procedures.

Organizing and member engagement

Organizing is how members build participation around workplace issues, welcome coworkers into union activity and prepare for collective action. AFL-CIO and USW programs provide current organizing resources and training opportunities.

Communications and digital tools

Strong communication helps members receive reliable information and take action together. Action Network supports email, forms, events and organizing tools. UnionHall supports the local website. Access and permissions should be limited to members assigned to those responsibilities.

Health, safety and Women of Steel education

USW offers health-and-safety education and Women of Steel resources that help members build knowledge, mentoring, advocacy and leadership skills.

OFFICIAL USW EDUCATION

Start with current union resources

• USW Education and Membership Development — current education information and program links.
• USW Stewards Corner — practical information for stewards and workplace representatives.
• USW Teaching Tuesdays — current union education materials and sessions.
• USW Special Request Training — information on requesting training through appropriate union channels.
• USW Health, Safety and Environment — training, technical help and safety resources.
• USW Women of Steel — education, activism, service and leadership resources.

AFL-CIO AND DIGITAL TOOLS

Build organizing and communications capacity

• AFL-CIO Digital Trainings
• AFL-CIO Organizing Institute
• AFL-CIO Labor History Timeline
• Action Network Trainings
• Getting Started with Action Network
• UnionHall Help and Training Resources

HOW TO GET STARTED

Choose one skill and take the next step

1. Choose the area you want to learn more about.
2. Review the current official resource or training listing.
3. Ask Local 983 leadership or the appropriate representative whether the opportunity is suitable and available.
4. Share useful learning with other members.

WOMEN OF STEEL   CONTACT A LOCAL 983 REPRESENTATIVE

Course schedules, eligibility and registration requirements are controlled by the organization offering the training and may change.