Building Union Strength Through Conflict Resolution with Ed Watt

During this training, participants will:

• Understand the root causes, types, and effects of workplace conflict.
• Learn how awareness and intentional responses can shift conflict outcomes toward collaboration.
• Practice communication tools—such as active listening, open-ended questioning, and reflection—to de-escalate tension and strengthen relationships.
• Participate in small and large group exercises, culminating in a role-play based on real-life workplace scenarios.

When completing this workshop, the attendees will view conflict as an opportunity to  grow the union and actively promote understanding in the workplace.

Instructed by Ed Watt:

At age 16, Ed Watt started his union career as a member of Local 338 RWDSU. Working for the New York City Transit Authority, he became a proud member of Transport Workers Union Local 100. At 30, he became the chief steward of Flatbush depot in Brooklyn, New York, serving over  800 bus operators. In 2001, he was elected Financial Secretary-Treasurer of the 38,000- member local. He would serve three terms and then move on to positions in the Transport  Workers Union International and the Amalgamated Transit Union International. He is now the  principal of WattADR, an alternative dispute resolution practice. He holds a master’s degree in  industrial and labor relations from Baruch/Cornell MSILR and a graduate certificate in  Transportation Safety from San Jose State University.