AR/CR Summer Core Training
Posted on August 2, 2011
It’s often said that there are two powers in a union: First, the union contract, a legally binding document that represents our rights at work. The union contract is the product of union members bargaining with their employer over the issues that matter most. A union contract presents a stark contrast to non-union workplace where workers don’t have a voice in setting employment rules, and if they object to unfair policies, may be shown the door. The second power in a union is organizing. Organizing happens when people come together to collectively solve their own problem with a solution of their own design, and often includes putting pressure on decision-makers. The power of organizing shouldn’t be underestimated because it can be used not only to enforce rights that workers already have, but to expand or establish new rights at work.
The most effective union activists know how to draw on both powers of the union – the union contract and organizing people. SDEA is proud to launch its training program for 2011-12 Association Representatives (ARs) and Council Representatives (CRs), which will address both. In Core Training, Part I: Advocacy, ARs/CRs will build familiarity with the union contract and enforcing it with the grievance process. In Part II: Organizing, ARs/CRs will explore organizing as a strategy to support grievances, but also as a means to win on issues that are outside of the contract.