Member-run unions require that leaders and members have access to the skills, knowledge and lessons learned by others over decades of struggle. A national union based on rank-and-file control must provide educational materials and training to ensure that local leaders have the necessary skills to run their locals. Proper training covers a broad range of topics.

For the stewards:

As the organizational backbone of the union, stewards need to know how to organize their department as well as the basics of investigating and writing grievances properly. It is especially important that stewards understand the importance of mobilizing the members to fight on issues. They have to learn to speak and act like the workplace leaders they are.

UE puts out a regular publication for stewards, the UE Steward, which is available both in printed form (sent in bulk to locals for distribution to their stewards) and by email (sent directly to stewards). An archive of the UE Steward, and a form to sign up for the email list, are available on the UE website.

For the officers:

Officers in a member-run union not only need to learn how to function effectively in their positions, but must also learn how to work collectively, how to keep the members informed, how to keep members unified, how to fight racism and discrimination in the workplace, how to prepare for contract negotiations, and how to mobilize in support of crucial political issues.

For the financial officers:

Financial secretaries, treasurers, and trustees should know how to keep proper records. Their training should include accepted financial practices, how to stop petty corruption, and how to file all required federal or state financial reporting forms.

For the members:

Union meetings are an opportunity to educate. While workplace issues are generally the main topic of discussion, meetings should also include a discussion of current events, education on how politics and the economic system affect working people, and discussion of relevant political issues pending passage in Congress and state and local legislatures.

Education relies on good communication. A well-informed membership is an educated membership. UE members are provided information concerning the latest trends in negotiations, legal decisions, relevant political issues, and the experiences of other local unions through articles printed in the UE NEWS, posted on the union’s web site and social media, and sent as email alerts.

The basic objective of rank-and-file education is to equip local leaders and members with the knowledge and tools to run their own affairs. This helps to maintain a member-run union at every level of the organization by reducing reliance on paid staff.