December 19, 2025
Strengthening the Front Line:
Region 8 Stewards Gather in Greenville
Stewards and committee members from Locals 967, 119, and 848 met at the Local 967 hall in Greenville, TX on December 15 and 16 for a productive grievance training workshop. Led by Region 8 Education Representative David Firkins, the two-day session focused on the essential skills required to protect the rights of the membership on the shop floor.
Region 8 Director Tim Smith joined the group on the second day, making it a priority to hear directly from those representing the membership. Rather than giving a formal presentation, Smith opened the floor and fielded questions from the stewards regarding regional operations and specific workplace challenges.
“The best way for me to know what’s really happening in our workplaces is to hear it directly from the members,” Smith said. “Our stewards are the backbone of this union, and I want to make sure they have the answers and the support they need from the Region.”
Following the session, Director Smith toured the L3Harris plant. While walking the floor, he continued to engage with rank-and-file members, taking questions and seeing the specialized aircraft work firsthand.
The Union at Work: A Tip from the Training
One of the key points discussed during the Greenville workshop was the importance of the initial investigation. A grievance is often strengthened or weakened at the first step. Using the Five W’s: who, what, when, where, and why. This helps ensure the facts are clearly established before a grievance is filed.
The Region continues to provide training and resources to support stewards and committee members in carrying out their representational responsibilities.
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