We had the same problems also regarding these meetings, it really got bad after our state passed RTW laws. They tried everything to keep me away from the newbies, it took me awhile to find the best way around their tactics. So I joined the safety committee which allowed me access to both the newbies and the safety mentoring and accident investigation reports they would delay me access to. It's really up to the steward to find ways to make contact with newbies. Unfortunately it's getting hard to find stewards willing to go the extra mile nowadays. Many use the title to gain favor with their management team or to save on union dues. These stewards don't ever go to union meetings or training and should be replaced, but until someone steps up and makes that commitment they'll be a cancer to our union. Many on this forum would make excellent stewards if only they would step up to the plate and give it a shot.