Registration will be held in the Convention Center on Sun., June 11, from 3-5 p.m. and on Mon., June 12, beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The first session will commence at 8:30 am on Mon., June 12, and the last session will conclude at noon on Thurs., June 15.

Breakout workshops will be offered on Mon., Tues., and Wed. 

Delegates MUST choose and rank four workshops among the below list by preference order (1, 2, 3, or 4):

• Arbitration from an Arbitrator’s Perspective:  Everything you always wanted to know about arbitration and/or the arbitrator but were afraid to ask.

• Effective Health and Safety Committees:  Effective safety and health committees are cornerstones of effective and comprehensive workplace safety and health programs and are essential to the important work of finding and fixing hazards.  This workshop will review elements of effective committees, discuss common pitfalls, and explore how to avoid pitfalls, and implement and sustain fundamental elements that make committees effective.

• Financial Officer Training: Learn the basics of being a Local Union Treasurer or Financial-Secretary.  From reporting, recordkeeping, and tax requirements, this workshop will teach you the expectations of being a Financial Officer.

• Grievance Handling: Everything you need to know in one place.  If you are new and need the basics or if you’ve been around and are looking for a refresher, this workshop has you covered.  Grievance Committees are the heart of every Local Union.  Get the tools you need to represent your members. 

• History of the USW: From the Steelworkers Organizing Committee (SWOC) to today’s union, learn about the birth of our union and its defining moments.

• How to Run a Local Union Meeting: Sometimes the basic things are the most important.  Local Union meetings are where we conduct the business of our union.  Learn how to run a proper meeting and the requirements both under our constitution and the law.

• Labor Law Update: Led by our Associate General Counsel, Nathan Kilbert, you will hear the latest in changes to state and federal labor law.  In addition, there will be a discussion on recent NLRB case law and priorities set by the general counsel.

• Local Union Administration (Focus on Elections): Training on Local Union Officers’ duties and responsibilities as outlined in the USW Constitution and both the Standard By-Laws for Local Unions and Standard By-Laws for Amalgamated Local Unions. 

• New Media: Hear from the staff from the New Media Department about the tools and resources available for your local.  From Local Union websites, text messaging, and social media, they’ve got you covered!

• Rapid Response and Legislative: Rapid Response is our union’s nonpartisan grassroots education, communication, and action program that provides the necessary structure to inform every USW member about pending legislation concerning labor and work-related issues.  Rapid Response provides opportunity for all USW members to have a strong voice and an active part in the government decisions and legislative actions that affect them, their families, their contracts, and their communities.

• Strategic Campaigns: When we’re in tough contract negotiations it’s important to show management that we’re organized and prepared.  Learn ways your Local Union can build power by engaging members and, if necessary, show the company we’re prepared in the case of a labor dispute.  We’ll cover the basic steps and strategies to consider when preparing for bargaining, including building a Communication and Action Team; educating members; preparing leaders and activists to take on new, important roles; and taking action to show solidarity and preparedness.

• Workers’ Compensation: A local’s understanding of the Pennsylvania workers’ compensation system. 

Workshops may change or be combined if deemed necessary due to participation or other unforeseen circumstances.