Sonya Bennett
Lansing,MI
Summary
Hardworking Full Time Union Steward bringing over 21 years of experience in representing employees, collective bargaining, resolving conflicts and mediate discussions. Excellent oral and written communication, organizational and problem-solving skills. Looking to apply knowledge and abilities to challenging new role.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Part-Time/Full Time Union Steward
AF Group/UAW
Lansing, MICHIGAN
08.2001 - Current
- Assisted union members in filing grievances and preparing for hearings.
- Organized informational meetings to discuss workers' rights, benefits, and collective bargaining agreements.
- Provided advice and guidance on labor-related matters to union members.
- Conducted investigations into workplace complaints of unfair treatment or safety issues.
- Negotiated with management on behalf of union members regarding wages, hours, working conditions, and other contractual obligations.
- Attended monthly meetings with management to review contract compliance and address employee concerns.
- Monitored the implementation of new policies related to labor contracts.
- Ensured that all grievance procedures are followed according to the collective bargaining agreement.
- Participated in negotiations with employers over changes in wage rates, overtime rules, vacation time allotments.
- Counseled employees regarding their rights under the CBA as well as state and federal laws governing labor relations.
- Maintained records of grievances filed by union members and tracked their resolution status.
- Advocated for workers' rights within the organization while respecting the company's interests.
- Communicated regularly with local unions about upcoming events or activities that may affect them.
- Collaborated with human resources personnel to ensure that all employee benefits are being administered properly.
- Reviewed disciplinary action taken against employees to determine if it was consistent with the CBA or applicable laws.
- Conducted training sessions for new hires on their rights as a union member.
- Managed communication between the employer and union representatives during contract negotiations.
- Investigated reports of harassment or discrimination involving any member of the bargaining unit.
- Investigated employee grievances and recommended appropriate actions based on collective bargaining terms.
- Interpreted contractual agreements for employers and employees to support collective bargaining and labor relations processes.
Production and Quality Standards Co-Chair
AF Group/UAW
Lansing, MI
08.2002 - Current
- Collaborated with co-chair in Employee and Labor Relations, on planning and training management and union stewards on the Production and Quality Standards Process.
- Monitored process per the Collective Bargaining Agreement to ensure that timelines and processes, were met and followed.
- Resolved conflicts between stakeholders when necessary.
- Maintained communication between management and Joint Labor Management for review of proposed Production and Quality Measures.
- Compile reports summarizing progress made in goals set for training management on the Production and Quality Standards process.
- Attended meetings as required with Employee and Labor Relations co-chair or other stakeholders involved to answer any follow-up questions.
- Attended Joint Labor Management meetings to summarize key points from proposed production and quality standards and to be the voice for the employees, before measurements were approved.
- Provided organizational leadership and collaborated with co-chair to establish long-term goals, strategies outline in the collective bargaining agreement.
- Reviewed outcomes and metrics by evaluating impact and regularly measuring performance.
Job Security Co-Chair
AF Group/UAW
Lansing, MICHIGAN
08.2002 - Current
- Collaborated with co-chair in Employee and Labor Relations, on planning and training management and union stewards on the Job Security Process.
- Monitored process per the Collective Bargaining Agreement to ensure that timelines and processes, were met and followed.
- Resolved conflicts between stakeholders when necessary.
- Maintained communication between management and Joint Labor Management.
- Compile reports summarizing progress made in goals set for Job Security projects.
- Attended meetings as required with Employee and Labor Relations co-chair or other stakeholders involved to answer any questions.
- Attended Joint Labor Management meetings to summarize key points from Job Security projects and to be the voice for the employees.
- Provided organizational leadership and collaborated with co-chair to establish long-term goals, strategies outline in the collective bargaining agreement.
- Ensured that jobs were protected and not outsourced.
Civil & Human Rights Chair
UAW Local 2256
Lansing, MICHIGAN
03.2019 - Current
- Set agendas and schedules and oversaw performance and progress.
- Led monthly committee meetings to create and discuss events for the committee.
- Organized community events for the community.
- Ensure members Civil & Human Rights are not violated.
- Train members on Civil & Human Rights.
- Participate in political events
- Educate members on political issues
- Organize fundraiser events to raise funds to help the community with needs.
Trustee
UAW Local 2256
Lansing, MICHIGAN
01.2015 - Current
- General supervision over all funds and property of the Local Union.
- Analyze financial statements to ensure everything balances.
- Analyze expense vouchers and ensure that the expenditure are a valid expense, by looking at the By-Laws, Meeting Minutes, Constitution and or Administrative Letters.
- Ensure that all receipts and documentation required accompanies the vouchers and there are the correct signatures on the vouchers.
- Ensure that the Financial Officers of the Local Union are bonded in conformity with the laws of the International Union.
- Ensure that the Local Union is following the three bid process for work.
CAP Delegate
UAW Local 2256
Lansing, MICHIGAN
02.2010 - Current
- Attend CAP Meetings
- Attend CAP Conferences/Conventions
- Educate members and community on political issues
- Participate in lit drops, phone banking, door knocking
- Registered people to vote
- Poll Watcher
- Precinct Delegate
Nissan Organizing Campaign
UAW
Canton, MS
04.2012 - 05.2012
- Talked face to face with Nissan Auto Workers about the the benefits of joining the UAW.
- Ensured compliance with legal regulations related to organizing activities.
- Collaborated with members of the team to identify areas of improvement in processes or procedures.
- Analyzed feedback from participants at organized events in order to improve future experiences.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
Education
Certificate - Insurance
Certified Authority On Workers' Compensation
Lansing, MI12-2016
Skills
- Meeting Facilitation
- Policy Interpretation
- Training Leadership
- Excellent Communication
- Management Collaboration
- Decision-Making
- Complaint Handling
- Problem-Solving
- Team Collaboration
- Contract Interpretation
- Goal Setting
- Relationship Building
- Grievance Management
- Contract Negotiation
- Multitasking
- Teamwork and Collaboration
Timeline
Civil & Human Rights Chair
UAW Local 2256
03.2019 - Current
Trustee
UAW Local 2256
01.2015 - Current
Nissan Organizing Campaign
UAW
04.2012 - 05.2012
CAP Delegate
UAW Local 2256
02.2010 - Current
Production and Quality Standards Co-Chair
AF Group/UAW
08.2002 - Current
Job Security Co-Chair
AF Group/UAW
08.2002 - Current
Part-Time/Full Time Union Steward
AF Group/UAW
08.2001 - Current
Certificate - Insurance
Certified Authority On Workers' Compensation
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