Exercising Our Contract Rights: TDC Training Brings CBA Language to Life

On September 9–10, 2025, RWDSU members at TreeHouse Foods in Farmers Branch, Texas took an important step forward by exercising language in their collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The TreeHouse CBA includes a provision requiring training for stewards and supervisors, conducted by the Federal Mediation Conciliation Services (FMCS), with the company covering costs and lost wages. But in practice, this clause has not recently been regularly utilized. This year, the RWDSU Tennessee District Council made sure that changed. With FMCS unable to provide the training under the current administration, the National Mediation Conciliation Services (NMCS) stepped in. Led by instructor Walter Darr, the training covered:

• Archeology: Unearthing the Meaning of Your CBA Language

• Communication & Active Listening

• Resolving Workplace Conflict

• Grievance Administration

By putting this provision into action, members not only honored the contract but also gained new tools to strengthen their role in the workplace. “This exercise went well, and we hope it will mend relationships, reset how supervisors and stewards communicate, and reinforce that we all want what’s best for our members and for the business,” said Chief Steward Tomas Hernandez.

This training is proof that every line of a union contract matters. When members know their agreements and enforce them, we gain more than just protections; we gain power, resources, and opportunities that can shape the workplace for the better.

It’s never been more important to enforce every provision of our carefully negotiated contracts. There’s always opportunities to learn, provide refresher trainings for longtime members and new members as well. A union contract is more than words on paper, it’s a toolbox!