A variety of topic-related classes, offered in a workshop format, which tackle contemporary issues facing union leaders, and provide knowledge to enhance skills. The length of each presentation can be designed based on your needs and time constraints, but are most effectively delivered in no less than a two hour time period. To request one of these classes for your Local or District Council, contact the LIUNA Education Department.
Labor History: Getting from There to Here
The History of Organized Labor and LIUNA
The past often explains the present and predicts the future. This presentation covers the labor movement from colonial era to present and explains how historical events have shaped the labor movement in general and our union in particular.
Staff Management
Union leaders know the pitfalls of bad management when representing members who work for them. Yet union leaders are bosses themselves. This workshop applies techniques to improve union leaders’ abilities to effectively direct and motivate their own staff or others they may be in a position to supervise.
Time Management
While there are 24 hours in a day there seems to be more than 24 hours worth of work to do. This workshop provides tips on how union leaders can better manage their time to be most productive to those they serve while taking care of their own needs as well.
Budgeting
Budgeting is the first step toward getting the finances of any organizing in order. It is also an integral part of the planning process for a union's Executive Board. Without a budget, there can be no realistic game plan for establishing reserves, investing in a building, reducing debt or growing the union. This workshop demonstrates the systematic process of putting together a budget and tracking its progress. Hands on exercises are featured that include typical construction and non-construction budget workshops for immediate application.
Effective Communications
Speak to be both heard and understood. Many a mistake can be traced to a break down in communications. Whether you are the communicator or the receiver, this workshop is intended to improve the communications process.
Running Effective Union Meetings
What makes some meetings better than others? Why do some members come to meetings and others don't? Union officials run meetings at many levels. Executive Board meetings are where the business of the union is planned. Membership meetings are where the business of the union is approved and the voice of the membership is heard. This workshop reviews both the practical and required elements of running meetings.
Sexual Harassment: Being Part of the Solution
With more women entering the field of construction and the Laborers' Union, union officials need to be more alert to behaviors that may put their members and themselves at risk. This workshop attempts to put in perspective the situations that leaders face as defenders of potential victims or accused harassers.
Dealing with Diversity (Minority Advancement Department)
LIUNA was founded by a racially and ethnically diverse group of worker advocates who, in many instances, were shunned by other labor organizations of their day. LIUNA's diversity is undoubtedly one of the factors that have led to its growth and success over one hundred years. The changing face of the labor force, particularly in construction, makes it all the more important that union leaders learn how to effectively deal with diverse workplaces. This workshop allows participants to better appreciate the value of diversity through their own eyes as well as through the eyes of others.
Member Orientation and Mobilization
Unions are organizations comprised of and run by members, yet union busters paint labor unions as being an outside third party. Our union leadership at LIUNA emphasizes the importance of members actively participating in their union, including volunteering three days of union work per year. Studies show that an individual’s interest and commitment to any organization is best achieved within the earliest stages of membership. This workshop suggests ways to motivate members to take an interest in their union’s activities.
Grievance Handling 101
This is a back to basics review of the steps to follow in grievance processing, including identifying the type of violation, conducting the investigation and preparing a viable case. Includes coverage of defining a grievance, adhering to the duty of fair representation and paying attention to time limits.
Why Market Share Matters
“Increasing Market Share” is the mantra of LIUNA. Yet some don’t fully understand how increasing market share within our own membership, and union density overall, works toward empowering the union to achieve greater economic and political gains.