VERMON LOCALS PARTICIPATE IN UNION/STEWARD TRAINING
Nearly 40 local union officers from across Vermont participated in the New England Police Benevolent Associations (NEPBA) Steward/Officer Training on Thursday, November 2nd at the South Burlington Police Department in order to learn from various labor experts in the field of Labor relations on topics ranging from how to draft and process contractual grievances, handling employee discipline issues, preparing for and engaging in negotiations, stewards rights and critical incidents.
John Hamilton, Richmond, VT – NEPBA Local 415 President said he was grateful to NEPBA for offering Advanced Steward Training particularly since his bargaining unit is currently in negotiations with the town for a successor contract.
“All of the presenters and topics were relevant and helpful to my current role as unit president and will be very useful in our current negotiations. Thank you NEPBA!” said Hamilton.
Another attendee, Chris Hoar, Northfield, VT – NEPBA Local 406 President – likewise stated how useful the event was to him.
“The day’s training was very helpful and informative. As a officer of the local, the training definitely helped to clarify what some of what the responsibilities are of being a unit leader,” said Hoar.
Sean R. McArdle, the Vermont State Director of the New England Police Benevolent Association and the organizer of the event commended the attendees for their dedication and said he was pleased by how many local unit leaders took advantage of the training New England PBA provided.
“Our unit officers/stewards often do not receive enough praise and thanks they deserve for their time, dedication, and passion that they put into representing their respective members. This is another example of our leaders taking advantage of a learning opportunity that they can take back to their members with the guidance of the assigned unit’s NEPBA Labor Representative. NEPBA and our unit officers/stewards are committed to educating our members regarding their rights as employees, getting our members actively involved and as a result strengthening the labor movement,” said McArdle.