OnPoint

A few months after they ratified their first contract, fifty-one UFCW Local 1208 members interested in becoming shop stewards gathered this past weekend at the local union office in Lumberton, N.C., for their first-ever shop steward training.

The trainees, who all work at Smithfield’s Tar Heel facility, came together to learn about the role, rights and responsibilities of a shop steward. “It was very informative and now I know that I am better equipped to represent my co-workers,” said Terry Slaughter, who attended the training.

“Attendees were enthusiastic and hungry for knowledge on how to build their union,” said UFCW Local 1208 President Carl Green. “Many among them have already taken on informal leadership positions at the plant, talking to their co-workers about their contract.”

The training this past weekend, the first in a series, focused on group discussions and conveying information based on the new shop steward training module developed two years ago by the UFCW Organizing Department.