NEW! Online Steward Class for Local 308 Members!
Those who are already registered for my Virtual Union Hall will have immediate access to the curriculum, lessons and recordings.
All workers and organizers from around the world are welcome. However, the focus will be within the realm of our Contract, bylaws and working conditions at the Chicago Transit Authority, Pace and Metra. It will also be a combined session with my usual regular virtual union solidarity meetings.
The curriculum topics will be as follows:
- Union Steward Rules of the Road
- Grievance Basics
- Grievance Presentation
- Handling Common Grievance and Punishment
- Health and Safety Issues Workplace
- The Law
- Changing the Workplace
- Information and Communication
- Headaches and Heartaches
- Staying Sane
- Building Unity and Strength
- Labor Union and Popular Struggle History
Register for the Virtual Union Hall now so you won't miss any updates about the class (if you are already registered, there is no need to do it again unless your address and phone changed): https://bit.ly/3u213UD
Frequently Asked Questions:
Will I become an official Local 308 Steward?
No. Regardless, the knowledge you obtain will help you organize your worksite and protect each other. However, all of those who work in Equipment Maintenance (Repairers, Motor Blowers and Servicers) will go on my list of Recommended Stewards. According to Section 23 of the Local 308 bylaws, Stewards are supposed to be recommended by their respective Executive Board Member and voted on at the membership meeting. So, in all Truth, all those who were allowed in Mark and Pennie's exclusive [fake] Steward Class are not officially stewards (same goes for Dixon and Franklin's classes). Don't worry, I was in it too—although I had to fight like hell to get in.
2. I am not a Local 308 member. Can I participate?
As long as you are in a job that is a union bargained-for-job, you are welcome. That includes those who are hoping to organize a union. Managers are not allowed to participate. However, our focus will be on ATU issues and the Local 241/308 Collective Bargaining Agreement "Contract".
3. I do not pay dues, but I want to participate.
You are more than welcome! I hope that you will eventually pay dues so we can do more things like this program. If I become president, I pledge to end all spending on sports, parties and trips so we can have a 20:1 member to steward ratio and more training. But you need to be a member to vote for me (smile).
4. Is this officially approved by the Local 308 President and Vice President?
Absolutely not. In fact, I expect them to condemn it—and possibly attempt to remove me from office again for it. However, I have tried to work with them to establish such a class and they have ignored me. Also they are too busy trying to steal our money and help the CTA punish and fire me. Cooperation and collaboration is something they refuse to do when it comes to persons like myself. The same goes for presidents before them. Our terrible state of affairs mandates that I take initiative. I am an elected union representative and am functioning under the authority given to me by the members as described in Section 15 of the ATU Local 308 bylaws.
5. What kind of experience do you have teaching adults?
While employed at the CTA, I wrote a book called The Professional Flagman. It helps new Flagmen survive and thrive in their craft. Prior to working at the CTA, I taught photo retouching and restoration to genealogists and photography hobbyists for 18 years. My numerous books and video courses are on sale at the Photo Grafix website. I also volunteered many years with an after-school program that taught children critical thought through tabletop role-playing games.
6. I think you are doing this to get in to a top office position.
The past five months showed me that President Pennie and Mark have no intentions on respecting the members' will regarding my election. They make it almost impossible for me to fulfill my duties (they organized a hugely expensive campaign to remove me from office before I was even sworn in!). So yes, I intend on replacing her as president sooner or later. That way, she, Mark nor any other "union boss" will be able to impede me from helping members without being punished by the CTA mismanagement. I was quite content with Executive Board member. But they made me do this with their treason. However, I have wanted for us to have online steward classes long before I was nominated for anything. In fact, I did it already with the Chicago Transit Justice Coalition. You will find many hours of classes on the CTJC YouTube channel. Below is my original proposal as submitted to Pennie and Mark:
7. I am not ready to participate now, but I am interested. Can I participate in the class later?
That is exactly what I insist on keeping this as "open enrollment." You can come and go as you please. Of course, the more consistent you are, the more you will get from it. All you need to do is register for my Virtual Union Hall. You will receive updates about the class on a regular basis.
8. I have been in previous Local 308 steward classes. Why do I need this one?
You have to ask yourself that question. Mine may simply be a refresher or supplement to your previous experience. However, after being in previous Local 308 steward classes, I can tell you with confidence that mine are quite different. Theirs are based on Business Unionism. Mine are based on Revolutionary Unionism. Learn more about the comparison at the IWW archive. Also, I have studied numerous theories and learned from other organizers at Labor Notes in militant unions such as the Industrial Workers of the World.
9. Can I teach in the class? I have some experience that would benefit the workers.
Absolutely! Just contact me directly at 779-456-6760 and I will put you in the schedule.
10. Is there a textbook?
Currently, I am using The Union Steward's Complete Guide, Third Edition by Prosten. I highly recommend everyone who participates buy it. Hit the link or use this one: https://bit.ly/3V7Ua2o
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