American Federation of Government Employees
St. Louis Area Council #245
Post Office Box 160118
St. Louis, Missouri 63116
William Tyler, President
Rayburn Wilkins, Vice-President
Arnette Storey, Secretary
Carrie Jackson, Treasurer
Debra Robinson, Sergeant-at-Arms
November 30, 2015
RE: ANNUAL MARCH TRAINING CONFERENCE
THEME: “BIG ENOUGH TO WIN!”
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
It’s that time of year again! The St. Louis Area Council’s Annual Training Conference and Business Meeting is
scheduled for March 21-25, 2016 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel-Westport, 1973 Craigshire Road, St Louis,
Missouri, 63146, Telephone: (314) 434-0100.
Featuring the following classes:
Representation 1
Representation II
Disciplinary/Adverse Actions
FLRA
Legislative Action/PAC
Reasonable Accommodations in the VA
Retirement
Title 38
Young Organizing Unionists for the Next Generation (Y.O.U.N.G.)
Collective Bargaining
Arbitration
EEO
FMLA
MSPB
OWCP
Secretary/Treasurer Training
LGBT
On–site registration will be held at the Doubletree Westport on Monday, March 21, 2016, from 5:00 p.m.
until 7:00 p.m., and on Tuesday morning from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m. Some of the highlights of the
training will be:
Meet and Greet with personnel from the National AFGE Office is scheduled for the evening of Monday,
March 21, 2016. Town Hall with President J. David Cox is scheduled for Thursday, March 24, 2016.
Each session will be taught by trained professionals from their respective fields of expertise. We have
attached a summary of the topics we will train on.
A luxurious hospitality room will available after 5 p.m. daily. Continental breakfast will be available
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. “Way-Way Back” themed banquet Thursday evening.
For more information or to register contact Treasurer, Carrie Jackson at (314) 482-5030 or the Training
Chair, Ray Wilkins at (314) 302-8047. Please join us as we continue to provide our brothers and sisters
with some of the best training by the best trainers available. Hope to see you at Training Conference
2016!
Shuttle services are available for those who arrive by air flying into Lambert St. Louis International
Airport. Reservations can be made online using our link:
http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/S/STLWPDT-AFG-20160320/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG
or by phone (314) 434-0100. Be sure to request the AFGE special rate. Room rate is $112.00 per night
(single, double, triple or quad). We encourage everyone to make his or her reservations no later than
February 29, 2016, as rooms at this rate will quickly sell out.
The subject matter presented at this training does fall within the purview of the Comptroller General’s
decision concerning administrative leave to attend training that is beneficial to both management and
labor organizations. That decision is supported by FPM Chapter 630: S11-5E.
Registration fees are $220.00 per person (includes banquet ticket and continental breakfast for three
days) in advance, $255.00 after the deadline or onsite. You may register in advance for CLASSES ONLY
for $185.00 per person or $200.00 on-site (does not include banquet OR breakfast). Extra banquet tickets
will be sold on-site for $60.00 each. To take advantage of the tremendous savings of complete registration
in advance, please submit your check and letter at least 24 days prior to the seminar to the acting
Treasurer, Carrie Jackson, St. Louis Area Council #245, P.O. Box 160118, St. Louis, MO 63116. You
may telephone her at (314) 482-5030 or the Training Chair, Ray Wilkins at (314) 302-8047. Please note
that there will be NO REFUNDS given after March 4, 2016.
We request you give this notice the widest dissemination/circulation possible.
2016 REGISTRATION FORM
FOR HOTEL RESERVATIONS PLEASE USE THIS LINK:
http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/S/STLWPDT-AFG-20160320/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG
OR CALL: DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL-WESTPORT, 1973 CRAIGSHIRE ROAD, ST
LOUIS, MISSOURI, 63146, TELEPHONE: 1-314-434-0100. MAKE YOUR HOTEL
RESERVATIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, BUT NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 28, 2016.
MENTION AMERICAN FEDERATION OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES-ST. LOUIS AREA
COUNCIL TO OBTAIN SPECIAL GROUP RATE PRICING.
2016 TRAINING REGISTRATION
One check from the Local for multiple participants is acceptable; however, each person must fill
out a registration form.
UNION LOCAL________________________________PHONE#______________________
UNION E MAIL ADDRESS____________________________________________________
NAME:______________________________________________________________________
STREET ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________
STATE:_____________ ZIP CODE:____________________ REGION:________________
******************************************************************************
COMPLETE REGISTRATION PACKAGE IN ADVANCE $220.00 EACH
COMPLETE REGISTRATION PACKAGE ON-SITE $255.00 EACH
REGISTRATION-CLASSES ONLY IN ADVANCE $185.00 EACH
REGISTRATION-CLASSES ONLY ON SITE $200.00 EACH
EXTRA BANQUET TICKETS $60.00 EACH
RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO:
ST. LOUIS AREA COUNCIL #245
ATTN: CARRIE JACKSON, TREASURER
P O Box 160118
St. Louis, MO 63116
MS. JACKSON CAN BE REACHED AT (314) 482-5030.
NO REFUNDS AFTER FEBRUARY 29, 2016
QTY:_______
QTY:_______
QTY_______
QTY:_______
QTY:_______
CHECK THE CLASSES YOU WILL ATTEND.
NAME ___________________________________
LOCAL __________
TUESDAY, MARCH 22
THURSDAY, MARCH 26
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25
 REPRESENTATION 1
 REPRESENTATION 2
 ARBITRATION 1
 COLLECTIVE
 COLLECTIVE
BARGAINING 2*
 DISP/ADVERSE 1
BARGAINING 1*
 EEO 1
 EEO 2
 OWCP 1
 OWCP 2

EEO 3
 YOUNG 1
 MSPB 1
 TITLE 38/FMLA
 REASONABLE
ACCOM. IN VA 1
 REASONABLE
ACCOM. IN VA 2
 SECRETARYTREASURER 1 *
 SECRETARYTREASURER 2 *
 SECRETARYTREASURER 3 *
 FLRA
 RETIREMENT
 RETIREMENT
 LEGISLATIVE/
LPO 1
FRIDAY, MARCH 25
 ARBITRATION 2
 DISP/ADVERSE 2
 MSPB 2
 FAIR PRACTICES
 YOUNG 2/LGBT
 LEGISLATIVE/LPO 2
*If your class has more than one session, you must attend all sessions to receive credit.
AFGE ST. LOUIS AREA COUNCIL TRAINING
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL-WESTPORT
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
MARCH 22-25, 2016
TRAINING SCHEDULE
Tuesday, March 22, 2015
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
On-Site Registration
8:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.
Orientation
8:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Opening Address by Arnold Scott, 6th District NVP, AFGE
8:45 a.m. -10:45 a.m.
Classes in Session
Basic Steward Training/Representation 1
Sam Cravens, National Representative, AFGE
Secretary/Treasurer (Part 1)
Staffed by the Office of the National Secretary-Treasurer,
AFGE
OWCP
Norma Goodwin, Independent Instructor, AFGE Activist
Title 38/FMLA
Barbara Casanova, Representative, VA Councils
Equal Employment Opportunity (Part 1)
EEO National Attorney, AFGE
Collective Bargaining (Part 1)
Donny Boyte, 9th District National Representative, AFGE
Retirement
Monte Jolley, Benefit Architects
10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Break
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Classes Resume
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Classes Resume
2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Break
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Classes Resume
6:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Hospitality Meet & Greet sponsored by Monte Jolley, Benefit
Architects
AFGE ST. LOUIS AREA COUNCIL TRAINING
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL-WESTPORT
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
MARCH 22-25, 2016
TRAINING SCHEDULE
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
8:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.
Orientation
8:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Opening Address by Eugene Hudson, National Secretary-Treasurer
8:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Classes in Session
Secretary/Treasurer (Part 2)
Staffed by the Office of the National Secretary-Treasurer,
AFGE
Advanced Stewards Training/ Representation 2
Sam Cravens, National Representative, AFGE
OWCP (Part 1)
Norma Goodwin, Independent Instructor, AFGE Activist
Reasonable Accommodations in the VA
Barbara Casanova, Representative, VA Councils
FLRA
Eugene Martin, National Organizer, AFGE
EEO (Part 2)
EEO National Attorney, AFGE
Collective Bargaining (Part 2)
Donny Boyte, 9th District National Representative, AFGE
Retirement (CSRS/FERS)
Rick Tello, American National Insurance
10:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Break
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Classes Resume
12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Classes Resume
2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Break
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Classes Resume
6:00 p.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Hospitality Meet & Greet sponsored by Rick Tello,
American National Insurance
AFGE ST. LOUIS AREA COUNCIL TRAINING
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL-WESTPORT
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
MARCH 22-25, 2016
TRAINING SCHEDULE
Thursday, March 24, 2016
8:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.
Orientation
8:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Opening Address by Augusta Thomas, AFGE NVP, Women’s/Fair Practices
8:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Classes Start
Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) 1
Jesus “Chuey” Sanchez, National Representative, AFGE
Secretary/Treasurer (Part 3)
Staffed by the Office of the National Secretary-Treasurer, AFGE
Reasonable Accommodations in the VA
Barbara Casanova, Representative, VA Councils
EEO (Part 3)
EEO National Attorney, AFGE
Disciplinary/Adverse Actions (Part 1)
Ray Wilkins, Vice-President, AFGE St. Louis Area Council
Arbitration (Part 1)
Eugene Martin, AFGE National Organizer
Y.O.U.N.G.
Jorae Williams, Program Coordinator, Women’s/Fair Practices Dept.
Legislative/LPO
Fred McDuff, AFGE National Representative
10:45 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Break
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Classes Resume
12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Classes Resume
2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Break
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Classes Resume
6:00 p.m.
Annual Banquet (Cocktail Hour/Dinner to Follow)
Guest Speaker is Cheryl Eliano, 10th District NVP, AFGE
AFGE ST. LOUIS AREA COUNCIL TRAINING
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL-WESTPORT
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
MARCH 22-25, 2016
Friday, March 25, 2016
8:45 a.m.
Classes Start
Merit Systems Protection Board (Part 2)
Jesus “Chuey” Sanchez, National Representative, AFGE
Y.O.U.N.G. (Part 2)/LGBT
Jorae Williams, Program Coordinator, Women’s/Fair Practices
Disciplinary/Adverse Actions (Part 2)
Ray Wilkins, Vice-President, AFGE St. Louis Area Council
Legislative Action/LPO
Fred McDuff, AFGE National Representative
Arbitration (Part 2)
Eugene Martin, AFGE National Organizer
Fair Practices
Shawn Petty/Diana Snedegar, National Representatives, AFGE
10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Break
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Classes Resume
12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Classes Resume
2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Break
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Classes Resume
5:00
CONFERENCE ENDS
Class Descriptions:
Advanced Stewards’ Training / Representation 2: This class covers the advanced issues regarding duties,
responsibilities and obligations of a steward representing for AFGE. Instruction is fast-paced and intensive, but
at the end you will KNOW how to better represent your brothers and sisters in the best possible manner.
Arbitration: This class covers basic litigation and preparation before arbitrators. Instructors cover arbitration
strategy, developing opening statement, witness lists, prepping witnesses, basic hearting rules of evidence, brief
writing techniques, mediation and settlement.
Basic Stewards’ Training / Representation 1: This class covers the duties, responsibilities and obligations of
a steward representing for AFGE. Instruction is fast-paced and intensive, but at the end you will KNOW how to
represent your brothers and sisters in the best possible manner.
Collective Bargaining: AFGE’s best friend and greatest asset is a well-negotiated CBA! This class gives the
rules on ground rules, the art of negotiation and the tips and tricks to get the most you can for your bargaining
unit.
Disciplinary/Adverse Actions: This can be the area in which Unionists find the most challenging cases. Be
informed as to how to determine whether an action is warranted, the best way to win a member’s case or at the
very least mitigate the punishment.
Equal Employment Opportunity: Learn what the differences are between representing as an EEO
representative and representing someone as a Union representative. The basics of representation will be
covered, developing claims, processing claims, and EEO hearing preparation.
Fair Practices: Women’s/Fair Practices is a vital area of labor where our battles are most fervently fought.
This is an overview of our fight for equality and equity for ALL people, regardless of race, sex, class or
anything else that makes the human experience unique. AFGE is at the forefront of protection of the rights of
ALL employees.
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA): This class is designed to instruct Unionists on the basic fundamentals of
the Family Medical Leave Act. Further, students will learn how to procure the proper medical/doctors’
documentation to satisfy agency demands when this leave is needed to care for oneself, a loved one or a
significant other.
Federal Labor Relations Authority: This class introduces the student to the FLRA office, it’s scope and
functions and how to best interact with its staff while representing the client. Class will also include writing
Unfair Labor Practices, organizing bargaining units, developing basic negotiation skills.
Legislative Action/PAC/LPO: Learn why this issue is so important to the battle AFGE is able to wage and the
influence we maintain on Capitol Hill. We will also cover the role of the Legislative/Political Organizer in your
local. You will additionally learn how vital each member’s support of PAC is.
Officers’ Training: Congratulations! You’ve been elected as an officer of your local. Now find out what that
means and how to execute the duties and responsibilities of your new post, what you can and cannot do and how
to manage properly.
Office of Workmen’s Compensation Programs (OWCP): This class will introduce Unionists to the work of
the OWCP, and teach how to maneuver your way through the “maze”. Learn how to get more timely results
and give the best advice to your members. Learn how to file QWCP claims for traumatic injuries and
occupational disease.
Merit Systems Protection Board: Some unionists believe this is the arena of last resort. Some say that this is
THE way to settle a rough case. Learn what the MSPB is all about, and add this knowledge to your bag of
tools.
Reasonable Accommodations in the VA: It has become apparent that reasonable accommodations are a much
more complex issue within the Veterans’ Administration and the medical community. This class will teach you
how to procure medical documentation to support disability claims, as well as how to make appropriate requests
for accommodations such as job restructuring, additional training, furniture, equipment, technical assistance,
reassignments, etc.
Retirement: Are you really prepared for retirement? What will it take to get you there within the time YOU
have left? This class explains and gives options for a more worry-free retirement.
Secretary/Treasurer Training: Whether you have been elected as your local’s secretary, treasurer or both,
this class is a MUST. Learn how to file and maintain all financial documents required by the NLRB, the
National office and do proper record-keeping.
Title 38: This class is tailored for our members in the Veteran’s Affairs arena, and instructs the “ins and outs”
of this governing legislation. This class is designed for specialized medical unionists who are faced with the
high bar of representation as medical professionals.
Young Organizing Unionists for the Next Generation (Y.O.U.N.G.): This summit seeks to educate and
mobilize young union members to become leaders, organizers and activists. We will help our young unionists
adapt and embrace the labor movement.
Note from the DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL-WESTPORT
for the American Federation of Government Employees
Guest Room Charges
CREDIT CARD PAYING GUESTS:
Upon check-in to the DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL-WESTPORT each attendee will be asked for a
credit card for payment. The credit card that is given is the card that will be charged for the full amount of your
stay based on your reservation.
CASH PAYING GUESTS:
Upon check in to the DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL-WESTPORT each attendee will be asked for full
payment of your stay based on your reservation in addition a $40.00 per night cash deposit will be required to
cover any anticipated incidental charges (phone, movies, meal charges).
Stewards
FLRA
Officers Training