Organizing Tip of the Week: Education is the Key

(National Federation of Federal Employees)

Access to education is a key component in building a strong union. NFFE-IAM members have access to an array of classes and opportunities at the IAMAW’s William W. Winpisinger Education & Technology Center. The Center has a range of classes for new and old members. Located in Placid Harbor, Hollywood, Maryland, members can come and learn from other unionists from around the country. These classes give employees the skills necessary to become good leaders at their Locals.

Attending these classes will create a stronger message when talking face-to-face with potential members. The more you know, the more you can contribute to your membership and bargaining unit as a whole. The Center teaches over 70 programs and offers a bachelor’s degree program where members can earn their degree in labor studies in conjunction with the National Labor College. The environment is comfortable and designed to make learning easy and fun.

For the newest members, the Federal Employees Seminar is a basic, week-long class that covers the essentials of union advocacy and labor relations. The class’s topics include legislative advocacy, grievance procedures, arbitrations, workers’ compensation, and ULP charges. The instructors take many approaches toward teaching, using discussion, role playing, and presentations from NFFE national officers and staff to facilitate learning. The basic programs is held three times a year and can accommodate up to 100 students, don’t wait to signup, these classes fill up fast.

“This is obviously a small percentage of our total membership, and therefore it is the duty of these select members to learn the material and return to the Local to train others,” said Instructor Henry Bagwell, who assists in several trainings.

If you would like to participate in or learn more about the William W. Winpisinger Education & Technology Center, visit their website, www.winpisinger.iam.org.

Upcoming Classes:

April:

·         Political Education, 10^th-15^th

·         Advanced Arbitration, 10^th-15^th

May:

·         Basic Web Development 1^st-6^th

June:

·         Federal Employees Advanced Program 19^th – 24^th

·         Federal Employees Collective Bargaining Program 26^th – 1^st

August:

·         Federal Employees MSPB Program 7^th – 12^th

·         Federal Employees Basic Program 14^th- 19^th

September:

·         National Labor College – Gen Ed 18^th-23^rd                      

October:

·         Communicators Class, 9^th-14^th

·         Collective Bargaining, 23^rd-28^th

November:

December:

·         Arbitration 4^th-9^th