It’s not easy to be a shop steward, but it’s a job Teamsters 856 shop stewards work hard at each day. To sharpen their skills, dozens of Local 856 stewards from the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) met last month in Martinez for a full morning of training.

“Training is important because it is our chance to learn from each other and the experts,” said Brebazon Simon, a custodian at WCCUSD. “We also get updated on what’s happened and going to happen in the District to take back to our co-workers.”

The day started with a welcome and update from Local 856 Secretary-Treasurer/Principal Officer Peter Finn. Following the welcome, the stewards received training on public employee rights, grievances, and more.

“I’ve always heard of our Weingarten rights, but it was really good to get a breakdown of them,” said Sylvia Melero, a special education assistant. (Know your rights! Click here to read about Weingarten Rights.) “It’s so important to know what to do when a principal calls you into their office — don’t go in by yourself. Call a shop steward.”

The stewards left the training with a sense of pride and feeling empowered and ready to take what they learned back to their workplaces. “I feel proud that I can educate my fellow members who are in need,” said Brebazon.

 Thank you to all of our Teamsters 856 WCCUSD shop stewards!