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Whether you want to learn more about your union rights, are a brand new Steward, thinking of becoming a Steward, or are one of our veteran Stewards, our online Steward training modules are a great start or refresher. If you are a Union Steward or are interested in becoming a Union Steward you can sign up for the different training modules by selecting the training you are interested in joining. Click here to view module descriptions. You may also auto-scroll to Frequently Asked Questions by clicking here.
“The SEIU 521 Member Resource Center does a fantastic job educating members about what a steward is and how the role functions to build a stronger union. The steward is the backbone of the union!
– Drew Pham, Respiratory Care Practitioner & Santa Clara County Steward
“Trainings give us the extra tools we need to build power in our union.”
– Melissa Ortiz, Senior Park Maintenance Worker & Santa Clara County Assistant Chief Steward
2024 Online Steward Training Modules Registration
Member Training
**2025 Dates, Times and Registrations TBA **
Core Training Modules:
**2025 Dates, Times and Registrations TBA **
Module 1 – Union Power and the Legal Rights of Stewards (from 6pm-8pm)
Module 2 – Weingarten and Discipline Rights (from 6pm-8pm)
Module 3 – Building Union Power in Your Workplace (from 6pm-8pm)
Reasonable Accommodations, Interactive Process, and FMLA (from 6 pm-8:00 pm)
Leveraging Union Power: When to Talk, When to Fight (from 6 pm-8:00 pm)
Training Module Descriptions
Core Training Modules:
Module 1: Union Power and the Legal Rights of Stewards
What is a union and what makes a union powerful
The role of a steward in the workplace as a union representative
The legal protections provided for being a union steward
Module 2: Weingarten and Discipline Rights
Workers’ right to a steward (“Weingarten Rights”) when being investigated
Discipline rights ranging from written reprimands to proposed and finalized disciplinary actions
The steward’s role in representing workers facing discipline
Module 3: Building Union Power in the Workplace
How to assess and build union support in your workplace
How to get other co-workers involved
How to convince non-members to join our union
Module 4: Problem-Solving Worksite Issues
When and how to use your contract to get workplace issues resolved
How to have the “informal” first step conversation with management that starts the grievance process
Introduction to Meet and Confer
Introduction to Labor Management Committees
Advanced Training Modules:
Meet and Confer
Understanding the legal process for meet and confer
How to initiate a meet and confer
Timeliness of meet and confer
Labor-Management Committee (LMC)
Understanding the basics of LMC
What issues to bring to LMC
How to conduct an LMC
Reasonable Accommodations, Interactive Process, and FMLA
Introduction to Reasonable Accommodations for Disabilities
Permanent versus temporary accommodations
FMLA
Interactive Process
Leveraging Union Power: When to Talk, When to Fight
How to “fight;” organizing a strategic plan
Techniques for problem-solving and meeting with the boss
Creating strategic planning for the “fight.”
NEW!Case Exposure/Networking space
This module is open for all stewards to attend and bring any cases they want to review or to gain more exposure and learn from other examples of cases.
Space to network with other stewards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I’m not sure I want to become a union steward, is it ok to take these trainings first and then decide?
Absolutely! We believe these trainings are beneficial whether you become a steward or not. And if you decide you do want to become a steward, we are happy to assist
Is it ok to take the trainings out of order?
Yes! You are welcome to take the trainings in a manner that works for your schedule.
Is it ok to re-take trainings that I previously attended?
Absolutely. Take them as many times as you want—we’re always updating the content based on feedback.
I’m not a union member, can I take these?
Yes! And we hope through this experience you will see the importance of being a member in your union and join us!
I’m from a different union. Can I take these? Pretty please?
These trainings are very specific to our union, our labor laws, and our workers. We encourage you to speak with your own union about what trainings they can provide.
