| Several local unions from Southside Virginia (District 8) attended a daylong event held at USW Local 831's union hall. The event centered on Civil Rights and Organizing training. Several District 8 Staff Representatives led the training. William "Bill" Harriday, Civil Rights Coordinator for District 8 led the Civil rights portion of the training, while Freddie Stroud, Virginia Organizer/Facilitator led the Organizing part of the training. |
 | Also in attendance to assist were Ricky Pike & Eddie Robtison, District 8 Representatives.
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Guidelines involving civil rights was discussed extensively as the attendees were given various handouts to refer back to in times of need. Each local is encouraged to have committees to address the civil rights within their local. Having the necessary material to reflect on is vital in maintaining an active organization. |
Locals in attendance were:
· Local 831, Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Danville, Virginia
· Local 1014, Corning Glass, Danville, Virginia
· Local 1022, Corning Glass, Christiansburg, Virginia
· Local 1023, Yokohama Tire, Salem, Virginia
· Local 8270, Lynchburg Foundry, Lynchburg, Virginia
· Local 9428, Times Fiber Communications, Chatham, Virginia
· Local 12103, Honeywell Industries, Hopewell, Virginia
The group was treated to a working lunch sponsored by the District Director, Ernest "Billy" Thompson.
| Freddie Stroud shifted the focus to Organizing for the afternoon session. They discussed both internal and external organizing. Stroud presented the District 8 Organizing goals. "Building a successful organizing program in the USW is the most important thing we can do if we, as a union, are to survive," echoed Stroud. District Director Thompson has armed district organizers with an Annual Organizing Plan as well as the USW Open Shop Organizing Manual. |
| The state of Virginia is a "right to work" state so a lot of focus was put on the how to organize under these conditions.
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When asked about the training, President Danny Barber of the host local (831) stated, "It has always been the position of Local 831 to use whatever avenues possible to provide our representatives with proper training. We are glad to be able to extend our southern hospitality to other locals in our area." President Barber is in the process of preparing training for stewards for Local 831. This should take place as soon as the new contracts arrive. |
When asked about the training, President Danny Barber of the host local (831) stated, "It has always been the position of Local 831 to use whatever avenues possible to provide our representatives with proper training. We are glad to be able to extend our southern hospitality to other locals in our area." President Barber is in the process of preparing training for stewards for Local 831. This should take place as soon as the new contracts arrive.
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EDUCATION
