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Bob Krebes, Local #1014 U.S.W.A., of Hobart and Dennis McCafferty, Local #21 I.B.E.W., of Portage are the first two graduates of the Union Education Program offered by the Division of Labor Studies at Indiana University Northwest.

The two completed a yearlong, four-course sequence earning a "Union Achievement Certificate." Courses cover timely topics of interest to union members and activists. These topics included labor law, grievance handling, leadership skills and collective bargaining. UEP also offers specialty courses in topics ranging from contract campaigns, OSHA and conducting effective demonstrations.

The purpose of this program is to support and strengthen the labor movement in Northwest Indiana through training in essential skills of union leadership and development. Admission to the university is not necessary and classes are offered throughout the year. However, UEP students who are interested in earning future college credit are provided with self-assessment tests to document the skills they have learned, which is then kept on record in the Division of Labor Studies.

The next UEP course will be offered in the fall of 2004. To receive more information about the program, please contact visit the labor studies division at IU Northwest, 3400 Broadway, Gary, Ind., Lindenwood Hall, room 126 or call (219) 980-6825.