RWDSU Local 110: Building Strength Through Steward Training and Preparation in Iowa
RWDSU Local 110 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, continues to lead with strong education, organizing, and preparation efforts across the worksites it represents. From steward trainings at Quaker Oats and onboarding new leaders at Coles Quality Foods, to bargaining prep at General Mills and honoring fallen workers on Workers Memorial Day, the Local is building power and solidarity across the board. With strong contract language, strategic planning, and strong partnerships like those with the University of Iowa Labor Center, Local 110 is proving that even in Right-to-Work states, union strength starts with informed, empowered leadership.
Quaker Oats – 2025 Steward Training
RWDSU Local 110 recently completed a comprehensive steward training program for Quaker Oats workers in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. As a local representing members in a Right-to-Work state, Local 110 has successfully negotiated contract language ensuring union stewards receive proper education and training. The agreement states:
“The Company agrees to provide sixteen (16) hours of paid, off-site release time annually for all Local 110 RWDSU stewards to receive training related to their roles in the new work system.”
This year’s training focused on understanding member needs and setting realistic expectations when heading into contract negotiations. Stewards worked in teams to analyze survey data, prioritize bargaining topics, and draft both economic and non-economic proposals. Each group also participated in mock negotiation sessions, guided by union leadership including President Shane Forbes, Recorder Flip Ondler, and 2nd Vice President Dan Teff, who portrayed company reps. Secretary-Treasurer Jason Sennett and 1st Vice President Seth McDaniel provided additional support with strategy and proposal development.
Training took place over four sessions from April 14–24, with 25–30 stewards per class. With approximately 125 stewards representing 730 Quaker members, this training was a critical step in maintaining strong, informed leadership across the workforce.
2025 Coles Stewards Training (left to right in the photo) President Shane Forbes, 1st Vice President Seth McDaniel. New stewards Kodzo Kutodzo, Matthew Anderson, Nikouna Ange not in the photo Samuel Jennings.
Coles Quality Foods – Growing Steward Leadership
At Coles Quality Foods, Local 110 welcomed four newly appointed union stewards. The local worked with management to secure 16 hours of onboarding training for the new leaders, despite the plant’s complex scheduling structure with staggered start times and multiple shifts. With these additions, Coles now has seven stewards providing coverage across all shifts. Training emphasized the importance of internal organizing and the role stewards play in building power for future bargaining efforts.
Engaging New Hires Across All Contracts
All three RWDSU Local 110 contracts now include language guaranteeing time with new hires during orientation. Making an early connection with new members—putting faces to union leadership and explaining the benefits of union membership—is critical for long-term engagement and solidarity. The message to new hires is clear: “We are ALL the union.”
General Mills – Preparing for 2025 Bargaining
With the current contract set to expire on November 17, 2025, the General Mills negotiating committee is hard at work preparing. Members completed bargaining surveys titled “Preparation is the Key to Success,” and the team has begun analyzing the results to build strong proposals. A formal company information request is underway to further support negotiations. Local 110 has also reinstated monthly labor-management meetings to stay updated on company developments. Three of the five bargaining committee members, as well as a director position, are up for re-election in August
Partnering with the University of Iowa Labor Center
Local 110 continues to invest in education and leadership development through programs at the University of Iowa Labor Center. Officers recently attended the weeklong Labor Short Course (April 28–May 2) and a 2-day FMLA training (March 31–April 1). The Local is grateful for the Labor Center’s continued commitment to educating and empowering Iowa’s working people.