How to Be a Union Steward
Union stewards advocate on behalf of union members in a specific site or workplace. The steward deals with issues before they escalate and tries to mediate a resolution that's acceptable to both the worker and the company. Members rely on the steward to keep them abreast of any actions the union may be contemplating.
Instructions
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1
Submit your name as a candidate for union steward when a window opens. Typically elections are held every two years. Usually, members will ask someone to represent them as a steward. .
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2
State your platform and distribute literature to your fellow union members. Make it clear that you want to fight for their rights.
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Start attending executive board meetings once you're elected union steward. Go to regional union meetings to learn of events that may affect the members.
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Listen to your members' concerns. Be proactive and try to resolve the issue before it becomes a grievance. This includes talking individually with the parties involved on both sides.
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File a grievance against the company if the issue can't be resolved. The grievance explains how the issue violates the union contract in letter or spirit.
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Attend mediation with a representative from management and a neutral third party. After filing, it takes 15 days for a grievance to reach mediation. The union and company split the cost of hiring a mediator.
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Resolve the situation. Have the company pay the mediator's fee if the union wins the grievance.
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