Local union shop stewards have a new tool to refresh old skills, learn new skills, and rely on as a reference to help their co-workers, said GCIU Vice Pres. Edward J. Toff.

Toff, who directs GCIU's education programs, said the "GCIU Steward's Complete Guide" had been sent to locals for distribution to shop stewards. "It's a very well written, organized, researched, and fact-filled manual that can help out in many situations," he said. "Other unions use it to great advantage, and I hope we will too."

The guide, edited by long-time labor activist and writer David Prosten, was first published in 1997 by Union Communication Services Inc. (UCS) of Annapolis, Md., and Washington, D.C. It was printed and bound by members of Tri-Cities 98C and Quad Cities 518M at Von Hoffmann Corp. in Eldridge, Ill.

The guide includes chapters on the "rules of the road;" the first moves on a grievance; grievance presentation; how to handle the most common types of grievances; health and safety issues; building unity and strength among members; how to deal with difficult people; work place law; and dealing with the stress of steward responsibilities. The last chapter covers ways to deal with special topics such as disability, harassment, drug testing, substance abuse, and medical claims issues.

In conjunction with the manual, Toff said, locals also will receive the Steward Update Newsletter, which UCS publishes six times a year. The newsletter includes technical and other advice for stewards from union experts.

The back page of the newsletter will be reserved for GCIU topics, Toff said. " The International is asking GCIU local officers and stewards to write up and send to the International situations that they've dealt with that are unusual or interesting from a case perspective," he said.

"This is a great opportunity for GCIU's local unions to share information and knowledge with each other," Toff added. "Please don't miss out."

Locals should send descriptions of their cases, including background facts, union and company actions, and results, to: GCIU Vice Pres. Edward J. Toff at 1900 L St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036. Or fax them to Toff's attention at 202-721-0600. Or e-mail them to etoff@gciu.org.