Meet Your Instructor: Tramell Thompson

I’m Tramell Thompson, a nationally recognized labor leader, whistleblower, and currently elected to one of the largest transportation unions in the United States. I’ve spent over a decade fighting on the frontlines for workers’ rights, exposing corruption, and challenging the status quo within one of the toughest labor environments in America. After being terminated by the MTA for standing up and speaking out, I turned that adversity into action—representing myself in court, filing successful complaints with state agencies, and training other workers to fight back using the law and their union rights. This course was born out of real-life battles—not theory. I’ve sat in the hot seat, challenged unjust discipline, and helped others win their cases without a union rep. Now I’m sharing everything I’ve learned so you can stop depending on broken systems and start defending yourself like a pro. I built this masterclass for fighters. For truth-tellers. For workers who refuse to be silenced. DISCLAIMER:  This course, “Be Your Own Rep: Master the Art of Workplace Defense,” is an independent educational program created and operated by Tramell Thompson. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by TWU Local 100, the MTA, or any other union or employer. All content reflects the personal views and experience of the creator and is intended for informational purposes only. Enrollment in this course is voluntary and private, and does not constitute union advice or official union representation.

Interpret and Enforce Union Contract

Learn how to interpret and enforce your union contract (CBA) effectively to protect your rights and interests.

Defend Yourself in Investigations

Discover step-by-step strategies to defend yourself in investigations and hearings, ensuring a fair process and outcome.

File Grievances and Track Progress

Master the art of filing and tracking grievances correctly, empowering you to address workplace issues efficiently and effectively.

Your Path to Workplace Empowerment

This course is designed for workers, especially union members, who want to navigate disciplinary hearings, grievance meetings, and contract enforcement with confidence. Learn how to interpret your union contract, defend yourself in hearings, file grievances, and understand labor laws. By the end of this course, you'll be equipped to advocate for yourself and others in the workplace.

MODULE BREAKDOWN

12 Chapters · 60 Lessons

  1. 1

    Module 1: Introduction to Union Representation

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 1: What is the job description of a union rep?

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 2: Why You Can’t Always Wait for a Rep to Save You

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 3: Legal Right to Self-Representation Under Federal and State Labor Law

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 4: Understanding the Chain of Command and Grievance Process

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 5: Understanding Your Weingarten Rights

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 1 Quiz

  2. 2

    Module 2: Reading and Understanding Your Contract (CBA or MOU).

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 1: What Is a Collective Bargaining Agreement?

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 2: How to Read the Contract Like a Rep

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 3: Key Articles That Protect You

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 4: How to Use the CBA to Defend Yourself

  3. 3

    Module 3: What Is a Grievance?

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 1: What Is a Grievance?

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 2: Step-by-Step Grievance Process

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 3: Documentation: The Secret Weapon

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 4: Tips to Strengthen Your Case

  4. 4

    Module 4: Preparing for a Disciplinary Hearing

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 1: What Is a Disciplinary Hearing?

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 2: Your Rights Going Into the Hearing

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 3: How to Prepare Like a Professional Rep

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 4: What to Expect During the Hearing

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 5: After the Hearing: What Comes Next

  5. 5

    Module 5: How to Write a Grievance That Gets Results

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 1: The Purpose of a Grievance Letter

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 2: Key Elements of an Effective Grievance

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 3: Tone and Strategy That Work

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 4: Grievance Examples (Winning Format)

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 5: What to Do After You Submit the Grievance

  6. 6

    Module 6: When the Union Fails You – Self-Advocacy Tactics

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 1: The Reality – Not Every Union Rep Is There to Help

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 2: Know the Signs That Your Union Is Failing You

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 3: Your Right to Self-Representation

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 4: Tactical Tools When You’re Alone

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 5: Accountability Tactics – When the Union Fails Legally

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 6: When You Become the Rep – For Yourself and Others

  7. 7

    Module 7: Using Social Media as a Tool (and a Weapon) for Advocacy

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 1: Why Social Media is a Game-Changer for Union Advocacy

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 2: What Happens When Union Reps Don’t Use Social Media

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 3: How to Use Social Media Without Compromising Integrity

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 4: Building a Following that Builds Power

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 5: Real-World Examples of Social Media Pressure That Worked

  8. 8

    Module 8: Building Leverage – How to Make Management Take You Seriously

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 1: What Is Leverage in the Workplace?

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 2: The Paper Trail Is Your Power

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 3: Controlling the Narrative

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 4: Using Visibility to Your Advantage

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 5: The Reputation Effect – How to make your character your shield

  9. 9

    Module 9: Legal Remedies Outside the Union

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 1: When to Go Beyond the Union

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 2: Duty of Fair Representation (DFR) Complaints

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 3: Filing Labor Charges Against Management

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 4: How to File (Step-by-Step)

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 5: What You Can Win

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 6: Final Thought: The Law Is a Weapon—Use It Strategically

  10. 10

    Module 10: Mobilizing Others – Becoming a Grassroots Leader

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 1: From Self-Defense to Collective Power

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 2: The Power of Informal Organizing

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 3: How to Support Others Without Being a Rep

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 4: Creating an Internal Pressure Group

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 5: Using Your Voice for Change

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 6: You’re Not Just a Member—You’re a Force

  11. 11

    Module 11: Case Studies + Real-World Scenarios

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 1: Why Case Studies Matter

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 2: Scenario 1 – The Bogus Write-Up

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 3: Scenario 2 – The Missing Union Rep

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 4: Scenario 3 – The Unsafe Assignment

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 5: Scenario 4 – The Political Retaliation

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 6: Scenario 5: The Viral Post That Delivered Change - One Driver's Stand

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Section 7: Student Challenge – Create Your Own Case Study

  12. 12

    Final Message: From Student to Defender of the Rank and File

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Congratulations!

Student Success Stories

Discover how our product empowers you, builds trust, and ensures workplace success.

”
Legal Game-Changer “This masterclass should be mandatory for every union worker. I had no idea I had the legal right to represent myself until Tramell broke it down step by step. Now I know how to file grievances, cite federal labor law, and defend my job.”
Melissa R.

Post Office

”
“I used to be terrified of speaking up at work. After this course, I walked into a disciplinary meeting without a union rep and shut it down with facts and confidence. Tramell’s breakdowns are simple, powerful, and rooted in real experience.”
Jason M.

Transportation

Ready to Take Control of Your Workplace Rights?

Enroll now to gain the knowledge and confidence to represent yourself effectively in workplace situations.

$249.99

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