Shop steward

A shop steward, or two co-stewards, represent each worksite. A steward or co-stewards can represent more than one worksite. 

Shop stewards:

• • Meet all newly hired employees

    • • Make them feel welcome

      • Make sure management has included them in the bargaining unit if appropriate

      • Introduce them to the union:

        • Brief history

        • Wall-to-wall character

        • Governance structure

        • Affiliations

        • Agency shop

        • Meeting schedule

      • Ask if they are receiving e-mail communications from the union, and their preferred method of contact (e-mail, call, text)

      • Ask if they signed forms for dues during hiring meeting with management

• • Advocate for members in your office

    • • Know the Collective Bargaining Agreement!

      • Advise shop members about CBA rights

      • Help grieving member in investigating potential grievances and in Steps 1 and 2 of the grievance procedure as outline in Article 37 of the CBA. Inform Grievance Chair of grievances arising in your office. Refer grievances to Grievance Chair for Steps 3 and 4 of the grievance procedure.  

      • Investigate potential grievances at your worksite

      • Represent members in Weingarten meetings

• • Organize shop meetings periodically, or as requested by members

    • • Schedule at a regular time or with adequate notice, and give reminders

      • Prepare an agenda

      • Chair the meeting, or adequately prepare someone else to do so

• • Represent your office

    • • Attend all membership meetings of the Union and regular and special meetings of the Executive Committee

      • Act as liaison between the Executive Board and your office

      • Inform Executive Board of members leaving employment so exit interviews can be assigned

      • Participate in committee work

      • Mobilize your shop to participate in union activities

• • Build the union in your office

    • • Ensure that Union communications are reaching the members in their worksites

      • See that the bulletin board is maintained

      • Mediate conflicts among union members when possible, or refer promptly to executive board

      • Educate members concerning union duties

      • Suggest appropriate referrals when personal problems seem to interfere with their work, including referral to employee development program or executive board

      • Recruit and build new leadership