Shops Stewards and Union Activists Gather for Local 1102 Conference
Some of Local 1102's most active members gathered in October for a Shop Steward and Union Activist Seminar in Carle Place, New York. Focused on Solidarity and Organizing for Power, members heard from leaders in the labor movement, elected officials, and took part in workshops designed to empower workers in the shop to deal with grievances and other work-related issues.
Frank Bail, President of Local 1102, addressed the membership and thanked them for the ongoing support of the union and its membership: "You are the eyes and ears of Local 1102. You are the frontline. Contract victories, successful grievances, and a variety of campaigns we have won are achieved because of your hard work and I thank you."
Organizing for Power, which was recently incorporated into the Local's official logo, was a common theme throughout the conference. As the union grows so does its power. In his remarks, Local 1102 Secretary-Treasurer Timothy Pranschke, pointed out that majority of the union's organizing leads have come from the membership.
In recognition of Local 1102's strength and political power, the union was joined by government officials including Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, County Comptroller Howard Weitzman, and former federal Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Andrew Cuomo, who Local 1102 and the RWDSU endorsed for New York State Attorney General in 2006. The leaders offered insight into public policy and made it clear why union members must be active in politics. Suffolk County Legislator Paul Tonna was also in attendance and addressed members on the issue of immigration, which has fueled public policy debate across the country. Amplifying the comments made by the guests from government, Local 1102 Executive Vice President Gemma de Leon and Political Director Ryan Delgado spoke about the union's political action program. The presentation also outlined issues at the federal, state, and local level that effect working people and their families.
Friends from throughout the labor movement were also present to inspire the shop stewards and union activists and to commend them for a job well done. Among the special guests were: Stuart Appelbaum and Jack Wurm, President and Secretary-Treasurer, respectively, of the RWDSU; and Denis Hughes, President of the New York State AFL-CIO. The speakers acknowledged the importance of members who are active in their shop and in their community. John Durso, President of the Long Island Federation of Labor as well as RWDSU Local 338, spoke to members regarding the danger faced by all workers and taxpayers by the country's largest employer - Wal-Mart.
The afternoon session featured four workshops to better equip union members to address shop issues on site. The workshops - basic labor law, roles and responsibilities of a shop steward, collective bargaining and negotiation, and grievance and arbitration processing - were instructed by Local 1102 Legal Counsel Richard M. Greenspan and John Muir, Commissioner of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
The Conference was a tremendous success and was evidence of the Union's commitment to member empowerment through collective bargaining, organizing, and political action.
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