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| IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary Allen opens up the 2014 Western Territory Staff Conference in Denver. |
Business Representatives, Organizers and Local Lodge officers from the IAM Western Territory recently descended upon Denver for the 2014 Western Territory Staff Conference.
Western Territory General Vice President Gary Allen opened the conference with a focus on this year’s theme – “Our Fight for the Future: Mentor, Organize, Win!” – as it relates to the state of the territory, the union, and organized labor as a whole.
“Better than 100 days of diligent study, is one day with a great teacher,” said Allen, quoting an old Japanese proverb.
He explained that it is the duty of the seasoned representatives to pass on their wealth of knowledge to the future generations if this union is to move into the future with great prosperity. He also stressed the importance of more experienced leaders looking to young Machinists for a fresh outlook on the state of labor.
Delegates to the conference enjoyed dynamic remarks from IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger and IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Robert Roach, Jr., as well as, Executive Director of the Colorado AFL-CIO Mike Cerbo, President and Director of Guide Dogs of America Dale Hartford, IAM General Counsel Mark Schneider, and Denver Local 47 President Gary Harper.
The three-day conference includes workshops on first contract negotiation tactics, the Western Territory’s GPS II organizing initiative, organizing shops covered by the Service Contract Act, politics and mentorship.
“This conference will serve to hone the skills of our already talented leaders in the territory,” said Allen. “I look forward to great things on the horizon for the Western Territory.”
