Instructors,

In addition, it is also intended to be a resource for schedule trades as well as pickups and give away. In the future, it may be possible to either fill out or print out a trade form and then submit it via email for Company approval. This will be subject to agreement between the Company and the Union. Procedures have not been agreed on, however positive comments have been discussed and suggestions made. This electronic process would be a convenient improvement over our current paper system.

Other uses will be blogs for comments with other instructors on current topics, such as standards, course changes, and teaching techniques.

As we move toward Contract negotiations the website will also serve as a confidential news source for Contract information. Current news items and links to other industry websites will also be built into the available menus. There will be menu links to our current TWU Contract, Constitution, and By-Laws. The website will have both a public face and a member only section.

TWU 557.org is a modern communication tool to leverage to our advantage. Communications at all levels of our work are needed and extremely important.

Throughout history, there has always been a need for effective communications. On the deck of old sailing ships, there was always a wooden cask of fresh water, which was called a “butt” This cask was at a convenient location for the watch sailors. On those old ships, the sailors on watch were not allowed to talk with each other. Often current news, rumors of the voyage, and other information would be passed among the sailors, very quietly, when one or more were waiting for the “scuttle” to be passed from one to the other to drink. This was the origin of the term “Scuttlebutt”.

It is hoped that TWU 557.org will be the place where Our Scuttlebutt can be passed.

Your TWU Board discussed the importance of Effective Communication on its first day on the job, April 2, 2018. It authorized, at that Board Meeting, the creation of this website. Your suggestions and input are solicited as you begin to explore the future development of the site. It will help us to improve our overall communications with each other.

Please thank Instructor Ed Simons, TWU 557.org Webmaster, when you see him for his hard work in the development of this very important communication tool.

For the TWU Board,
Jerry Bradley
President TWU 557