Teamster Stewards Learn Principles of Communication

Local 142 Stewards Council Holds First Seminar of 2008

More than 30 stewards attended the quarterly training seminar at Teamsters Local 142 in Gary, Indiana on January 27, 2008. 

Teamsters Local 142 stewards gathered in Gary, Indiana on January 27, 2008 to learn about communications.

“We hold Stewards Seminars four times a year to expand the knowledge and skill set of our stewards so they can better represent the members,” said Harvey Jackson, Teamsters Local 142 Stewards Council Chairman.  “This session is focused on communications, which is a subject that is so important to all jobs but not always practiced correctly.  If stewards know the best way to get their message across, it will make a big difference for the members.”

The seminar was conducted by Joe Dula, a commissioner for the Federal Mediation and Conciliation, and covered:

• The importance of communication;
• One-way versus two-way communications;
• Body language;
• Active listening;
• Gaining trust and respect; and
• Filtering. 

“Communication is more than talking.  It is about gaining the trust and respect of the people you want to communicate with,” Dula said.  “You might be able to write well and speak well, but if you aren’t trusted or respected your message across may not be received.”

The mission of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service is to improve labor-management relations, to promote collective bargaining and to enhance organization effectiveness. 

Previous seminars held by the Stewards Council have focused on elections, community service and hands-on stewards training. Teamsters Local 142 Stewards Council works hard throughout the year to educate and support stewards.  Besides member training, they raise money for members in need, scholarships awards and a food pantry.

Teamsters Local 142 represents 4,500 members in northwest Indiana in the construction, warehouse, commercial service and freight industries and the public sector. 

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