The Arbitration – Prepare and Present course at Spring School 2025 gave members an immersive, hands-on look at the arbitration process. From cross-examinations to hearing prep, participants learned what it takes to represent members in one of the union’s most high-stakes forums.
Shelly Savoury (Local 1976 – Unit 551), a chief steward and unit president with seven years of activism under her belt, said the course gave her a deeper understanding of how arbitration works behind the scenes.
“We learned the process and procedures of conducting hearings – what’s permissible and what isn’t. I gained confidence in properly conducting a direct examination and understanding the steps involved from start to finish.”
Anil Purandare (Local 1998) said the course pushed him out of his comfort zone: “Practicing cross-examination was challenging, but it helped me build the confidence I need to represent our members more effectively.”
Facilitator Kristina Adhikari, legal counsel at the USW National Office, emphasized the importance of practical learning: “Participants took this seriously. They came with thoughtful questions and left with new skills they can apply immediately.”
By the end of the week, members walked away with a deeper understanding of how to prepare, present and protect worker rights through arbitration.
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