Phoenix Shop Steward Training
April 29 and 30, 2009
Lodges
Local Lodge 2559
District Lodges 141 / 142 / 143
Airlines
US Airways Fleet Service
United Ramp and PCE
US Airways Mechanic and Related
Southwest Airlines Passenger and Reservations
Alaska Airlines Passenger and Reservations
Northwest Airlines Fleet Service
Facts Report
first large training of Stewards in about 12 years
Sky Harbor Lodge 2559 in Phoenix, Arizona held a local-wide Steward training course on April 29 and 30, 2009. Melissa Campbell, President of LL 2559, stated, “This is the first large training of Stewards in about 12 years.” She further explained, “We were able to maintain our costs due to the free space that was provided at the Southwest Airlines training facility.” The Southwest Machinists are fortunate to have a good working relationship with their company and the Lodge was able to utilize their large meeting rooms.
Sky Harbor Lodge represents members at all three airline Districts
The largest group represented is from the Fleet Service members at US Airways. The remainder of the Airlines represented were from United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, US Airways Mechanic and Related, Alaska Airlines and Northwest Airlines.
history,Constitution, Local Bylaws, Railway Labor Act
US Airways Workers were very pleased to have training for the newest members that came in from the recent merger of US Airways/America West. During the two-day event, the workers were trained in IAM/Union history, the Constitution and Local Lodge Bylaws as well as an understanding of the Railway Labor Act.
District Lodge 141 Educator and President of Local Lodge 1776, Rich Howell presented a course in contract grievance handling.
District 141 AGC, Frank O’Donnell provided oversight and instruction on handling and resolving grievances.
The two-day session was also attended by Tony D’Alosio, District Lodge 141 US Airways Safety Director. Tony D briefed members on current safety issues as well as providing advice and instruction on recent problems such as the H1N1 flu (Swine Flu).
Other class topics included areas such as FMLA and EAP in regards to grievance handling.
Representatives from the Airline Safety System also briefed the workers. Sky Harbor Lodge 2559 is proud to implement the injury reporting system and ensure a safer work environment for all members.
District Lodge 141 had a very large group of members who attended the training session such as Craig “Toby” Toblesky, a 34-year United Airlines worker, who stated, “It’s been very helpful to educate our members.”
David Shadingo a US Airways Fleet Service worker for three years added, "There was a lot to absorb in such a short time. It was helpful to learn about the positive advancement of our union.”
AGC Frank O’Donnell concluded by saying, “This is just the beginning of a longer program to help train the membership.