STEWARD INFORMATION

Please review the following information regarding the duties and requirements of a Steward.

The job of a steward is a challenging, rewarding and important job in our union. It has been written many times that the Steward is the Heart of the Union. Stewards have an enormous impact on our members’ faith and belief in the union. 

Stewards are the first person a member will look to for guidance and interpretation of their collective bargaining agreement, and for informed representation when there is a dispute with management.  Members often judge the Union by their Steward.  If the Steward is fair, and looks out for their interests, they will respect and support the Union.  The Steward keeps members informed about the Union, and keeps the Union leadership informed about the workplace. 

As a representative of the union, the Steward has a legal obligation to represent all of the employees in the bargaining unit fairly, without regard to their union membership status, race, religion, nationality, age, or sex. This legal obligation is known as the duty of fair representation. 

DUTIES OF A STEWARD:

Educate members about their rights and how to exercise them; explain the contract, grievance procedure, health and safety and other workplace regulations and protections, internal union procedures, and relevant laws.

        1.  Represent all workers in the bargaining unit fairly and without discrimination. 

        2.  Act as the primary contract enforcer and work to make management live up to the contract. 

        3.  Listen to employee complaints; investigate, prepare, present, and write grievances. 

        4.  Resolve problems before a worker is adversely affected or before the situation escalates to a grievance. 

        5.  Develop relationships of respect and trust among the membership. 

        6.  Work to develop open communication with supervisors. 

        7.  Encourage members to take an interest in the Union and take part in it.

The Steward’s job requires an assortment of skills and knowledge, but no one expects you to become an expert overnight. You’ll learn from training and experience as issues and questions come up. 

REQUIREMENTS: 

        1.  You must be a member in good standing. 

        2.  Your appointment by the President of the Local is subject to confirmation by the membership.

If you are interested and feel that you can fulfill the above requirements and duties, please send us an email with your name, agency, telephone number and email address. You will be contacted by one of the Chief Stewards.