Leadership training and the distance learning technical education program were the primary focus of discussion for the Education Committee at the GCIU convention.

The committee, chaired by Philadelphia 14M Secy.-Treas. John Potts with Denver 440M Pres. Paul Greene as secretary, reviewed the new leadership education brochure developed by the Rep. Philip Roberts. More than 200 local union leaders have received the training during the past four years.

The GCIU Leadership Education Program consists of two levels of training. The first level covers leadership skills, grievance handling, and collective bargaining during a week-long course. The course helps local leaders learn how to turn every grievance, bargaining session, or local activity into an opportunity to organize and mobilize the local membership.

The newly restructured second level is conducted in two week-long sessions. Level 2(a) focuses on collective bargaining skills and techniques. Level 2(b) provides lessons in advanced grievance and arbitration techniques and National Labor Relations Board procedures.

The tentative schedule for future leadership training includes the Level 2(a) course in March 2005, Level 1 in April 2005, September 2005 and November 2005, and Level 2(b) in July 2005.

The GCIU also offers shop steward training for locals. Under this program, International trainers go to local unions to provide the training.

For more information on these programs, contact GCIU Vice Pres. Robert L. Lacey at International headquarters.

On distance learning, the committee recommended that funding allocated for local education directors be used by the directors to market the distance technical training program.

The new technical training program was launched with a web press course available on the Internet and on compact disc or in print formats. The course was developed by a task force led by Philadelphia 14M Education Director Robert Theisen.

The education committee recommended that the "International move forward with distance learning for all segments of the trade. The training should include the union history of the GCIU and its predecessor unions."

The committee also recommended that all education programs be consolidated into one Education, Health and Safety and Research Department.

Delegates approved a resolution submitted by British Columbia 525M, Winnipeg 900M, and Vancouver 25C as amended to resolve that: "consistent with applicable law, the delegates affirm their commitment to training our members only and not squandering our resources on those who would have our jobs."

The resolution also called on the GCIU to "demonstrate this commitment by not investing any money whatsoever in the development of training programs and/or materials that will be made available to the non-union sector."

Graphic Communicator photo by Susan Zachem

Convention Education Committee members, clockwise, from left are: Gene Binda, Rob Thiesen, John Potts, Brian Earl, GCIU Rep. Phil Roberts, Paul Greene, Mike Drimmie, GCIU Vice Pres. Robert Lacey, Bob Miller, and Wayne Altpeter.