Training in representational and Union matters is a prerequisite to doing a good job as a Union Steward. While some Local 1998 Stewards have past experiences as Union leaders in other locals, most do not. To be a good Passport Specialist or Contact Representative, employees need formal and informal training, as well as on-the-job experience. The same is true in order to be an effective Union Steward.  

Don't wait for training to come to you - actively pursue opportunities to learn and grow as a Union Steward.  

Where do Local 1998 Stewards receive training?

The IAMAW's William W. Winpisinger Center

From the following sources:

• On-the job (OTJ) training, by emailing and calling the Local President, Vice President, Chief Steward, Secretary-Treasurer, and Recording Secretary when handling complaints
• The Local 1998 Steward Manual (of which this chapter is the eighth out of nineteen chapters)
• Local 1998 training (normally provided by the Local President during a site visit)
• NFFE National training (normally provided by NFFE Business Representatives either in site visits, advertised classes hosted by a NFFE local, or at NFFE HQ)
• Other NFFE local training (including CAFFE – the California association of NFFE members)
• The IAMAW’s William W. Winpsinger Center in Placid Harbor, Maryland (pictured at right) 
• Outside legal authorities, such as the FLRA, FSIP, and FMCS
• Independent organizations, such as FPMI
• USDA and FSI courses

Winpisinger Center class photo 10-18-2004

All training on representational matters (laws and regulations, filing grievances, collective bargaining, etc.) can be performed on work time, either as official time or administrative time.

The current contract allows 40 hours of administrative time each year for representational training. This is an improvement from the previous contract, which allowed only 16 hours. The 40 hours is sufficient for Stewards to attend a week-long training class at the IAMAW’s William W. Winpisinger Center.

Training that involves travel and that is provided by NFFE, the IAMAW, other locals, independent organization, and legal authorities is generally done on administrative time, which means that Passport Services will not pay travel and per diem. Training that involves travel to FSI or USDA courses is generally done on official time, with travel and per diem paid for by Passport Services (if approved). Self-study training (using the Steward Manual or other resources) and training provided by the Local 1998 President during a site visit is done on the official time allotted in Article 7 of the contract.

Personal time – meaning non-work time – must be used for training on matters involving internal union business, such as those issues covered by Chapter 4-6 of the Steward Manual (membership, recruiting, and bylaws).

How do I obtain approval to attend training?

Permission from Management

Coordinate official or administrative time in accordance with the provisions of Article 7 and/or Article 11 of the contract, as applicable. It is not appropriate to use OPM Form 71 (formerly SF-71, the leave request form) for official time - follow the procedures outlined in Article 7.  It is not necessary to use a leave request form for administrative leave for training purposes - follow the procedures outlined in Article 11. If Management needs to document the training, an email should suffice. Always inform Management of the need for training as long in advance as possible. Report any problems in obtaining official or administrative time to the Local President and Vice President. 

Important: If you are planning on attending a weeklong class at the IAMAW's Winpisinger Center, email your supervisor and office director ASAP, as soon as you know: "Per Article 11 of the contract, I am requesting to use 40 hours of administrative leave to attend a representational training class at the IAMAW's facility".  You should do this even before your name has been submitted by the Local 1998 Training Coordinator to the IAMAW and even before the IAMAW has approved the class.  This is so that Management can have as much advance notice as possible.  The point is to lock in the dates at your office for when you would like to go, because if you wait until your name has been submitted and approved, it may be too late.  

• Sample Training Request (1)
• Sample Training Request (2)
• Sample Training Agenda (October 12, 2004)

Permission from the Union

All training requests need to be coordinated with Local 1998 Training Coordinator/Vice President Mike Garofano. Approval for training that requires expenditures of funds requires a vote from the Local 1998 Executive Board. NFFE and the IAMAW have application forms for their training, and these forms – and follow-up questionnaires – must be completed in order to attend one of their classes.

Sources of Training Comparison Chart