DUTIES OF THE STEWARD
Shop stewards have a very critical role in the life of our union and the accomplishment of the union’s mission.
What you do as a steward day-to-day, and how you do it, help form the opinions and convictions of the bargaining unit employees and can contribute greatly to our ability to build power and strengthen respect.
- Be a reliable worker.
- Be a constant communicator and educator about the union, the contract, relevant events pertaining to grievances, meetings, new developments and major decisions.
- Interact with bargaining unit members, welcome new employees and develop participation.
- Inspire the bargaining unit employees and build solidarity.
- Act as a model of fairness.
- Monitor working conditions and uphold bargaining unit employees' rights.
- Speak up for the bargaining unit employees where appropriate.
- Investigate, at the appropriate time, workplace problems.
- Negotiate and settle legitimate problems.
- Keep good records.
- Enforce the contract.
- Explain the economic facts affecting the workplace.
WHAT STEWARDS SHOULD ENDEAVOR TO KNOW
Among other things for a shop steward to be aware of, are, for example:
- The contract
- The people you work with including the names and locations of people you work with
- What happens at meetings
- Equipment and job procedures
- Company rules and policies
- Union policies