Twelve members of Puerto Rico’s Local 2725 Negotiating Committee recently completed their first ever Negotiating Prep Program conducted in Spanish. Local 2725 represents 152 members – drivers and vendors at Frito-Lay distribution in Puerto Rico. The three-day program focused on membership communication, drafting contract language, presenting proposals, analysing the company’s strengths and weaknesses and identifying sources of leverage in negotiations. The three-day program was held at the University of Puerto Rico and was taught by Winpisinger Center Instructor Richard Suarez.
“This is the first time the Negotiating Prep Program has ever been delivered in Spanish,” noted Winpisinger Center Director Chris Wagoner. “It was possible because of the substantial work that has been done over the last six years by the Spanish Leadership Working Group in developing and delivering Leadership Programs in Spanish at the Winpisinger Center.”
The members truly appreciated having the program delivered in Spanish. “After the program concluded,” said Suarez, “one of the members of the Committee commented ‘this course shows the IAM really cares about us, and it gave us the necessary training for negotiations.’”
Joining the Frito-Lay Negotiating Committee for the course were members of the recently organized, 264 Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) unit at the San Juan Hospital Auxillo Mutuo, many of whom attended class after completing an overnight shift at the hospital “These members are committed and determined,” said Local 2725 Business Representative José Rodriquez Baez. “They won a hard fought organizing campaign – and I am confident they will negotiate a strong first contract. They will not be denied.”
“Our Local Lodge in Puerto Rico is strong and growing,” said Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez, Jr. “The IAM is committed to providing the training to ensure negotiators can win strong contracts. We appreciate the Winpisinger Center’s support in providing materials and instruction in Spanish for our negotiators.”
