RWDSU Local 110 Invests in Steward Education and Leadership Development Across Iowa

RWDSU Local 110 is continuing to strengthen worker power across Iowa through expanded steward education, leadership development, and joint labor-management training programs designed to build stronger workplaces and stronger unions.

This spring, RWDSU Local 110 successfully completed its 2026 Quaker Oats steward training program, bringing together approximately 140 union stewards for a series of intensive off-site trainings negotiated as paid release time in the union contract. The sessions were held March 30-31, April 1-2, April 6-7, and April 8-9, demonstrating the union’s ongoing commitment to equipping stewards with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively represent their coworkers on the job.

As part of the training, stewards heard from Nate Willems of the Rush and Nicholson law firm, which works with members navigating the workers’ compensation process. Willems also discussed his campaign to become Iowa’s next Attorney General and his commitment to standing up for working people and holding corporations accountable.

Steward education remains a major priority for RWDSU Local 110, which also continues to support the work of the University of Iowa Labor Center and its efforts to develop emerging labor leaders. This year, four stewards from Coles/Furlani, including Chief Steward Feruzi Ikanga, Matt Anderson, Sam Jennings, and Ange Nikouna attended the University of Iowa Labor Center’s weeklong Labor Short Course held April 20–24, 2026.

The intensive leadership program provides union activists with education in labor history, organizing, workplace legal rights, public speaking, labor policy issues, and leadership development through hands-on activities and collaboration with union members from across industries. Programs like these help build confidence, strengthen solidarity, and create lasting connections among workers throughout the labor movement.

RWDSU Local 110 is also expanding steward training opportunities through newly negotiated language in the General Mills contract that provides annual paid release time for steward education. In June, approximately 60 General Mills stewards will participate in joint labor-management training sessions alongside company representatives.

The joint training program is designed to improve communication, provide clarity around grievance settlements and contract language, and reinforce the importance of collaboration in addressing workplace issues. By bringing union stewards and management together in a structured educational setting, the program creates opportunities to better understand the contract and strengthen day-to-day working relationships while protecting workers’ rights on the job.

Across Iowa, RWDSU Local 110 continues to demonstrate that investing in steward education and leadership development is essential to building stronger unions, empowering workers, and preparing the next generation of labor leaders.