The USW Local 3657 Executive Board, on behalf of the more than 200 members of our local union, sends our deepest condolences to the friends, family and loved ones of USW District 12 Director Robert (Bob) LaVenture, who died on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Bob was a friend, a co-worker and a mentor to many current and former members of our local union. In particular, the Local 3657 members in District 12, who worked with Bob on a regular basis, are feeling this loss deeply. Our thoughts and our hearts go out to all of them.

We also send our deepest condolences to the members, officers, directors and managers of the USW, as well as to our brothers, sisters and siblings in the Staff Representatives Union, all of whom worked closely with Bob on so many important campaigns during his many decades of involvement with the labor movement.

Bob was a fierce and tireless advocate for all working people and communities in the USW, the United States and across the world. In addition to being a relentless activist for workers, Bob was a warm, generous and compassionate friend. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew and worked with him.

We are terribly saddened by this sudden loss. We believe the best way to honor Bob’s memory is to continue the great work to which he dedicated his life – to build a better world for all workers. We are committed to doing just that.

USW Local 3657 represents administrative professionals, organizers, technicians and auditors who work for the USW international, district and sub-district offices throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. 

All employees of the International Union are invited to attend the annual USW Local 3657 holiday party from noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, in the Lobby Conference Room at headquarters.

Please RSVP to Barb Pugliese in Accounting (bpugliese@usw.org) by Nov. 14 if you plan to attend. 

Our monthly Local 3657 membership meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 12:30 p.m. in the lobby conference room at headquarters.

Members outside the building may participate using the Maestro Conference system by clicking here.

You can access last month’s minutes here: Proposed August Minutes

And today’s agenda here:Meeting Agenda September

Local 3657 has welcomed a number of new members in recent weeks. If you see them around, please say hello! Two of our newest members are Lauren Palmer in Accounting and Joe Smydo in Communications. Welcome Joe and Lauren!

Joe Smydo

Lauren Palmer

On Wednesday, Aug. 14th, Local 3657 will host a teach-in/Q&A focusing on the basic rights and responsibilities of employees to job-protected leave, along with the administration of FMLA by our employer.

Our sisters Janet Hill and Joan Hill will host this session from noon to 1 p.m. in the 9th floor conference room at headquarters. Members outside the building can call in using the following line: 515-606-5688 (Access code: 274309).

Members who wish to submit questions in advance and remain anonymous should e-mail Joan (johill@usw.org) or Janet (jhill@usw.org) before the session.

Lunch will be provided, and members in the field may submit receipts up to $15 for reimbursement for their lunches.

If you plan to participate either in person or on the phone, please email Elizabeth Laycak (elaycak@usw.org) with the subject “FMLA RSVP.”

Members can access forms and documents related to the presentation at the following links:

Your Rights Under FMLA

USW Salary Continuance Policy

Form WH-380-E

Form WH-380-F

Form WH-381

Form WH-382

The Local 3657 New Member Committee will host our semi-annual new member orientation on Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 9 a.m. to noon in Conference Room B on the 2nd floor at headquarters.

According to our contract, these sessions are considered part of your work day. All new probationary employees (both PFOs and non-PFOs) who are members of Local 3657 are welcome to attend. We will discuss the benefits provided by our contract, the history of our union, how you can get involved in our local, how bargaining works, and other topics.

Members in the field will be invited to participate electronically – we will let you know how to access the system once we have those plans nailed down.

The orientation session will be followed by a catered lunch with the Local 3657 Executive Board.