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.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

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. .

2. State your platform and distribute literature to your fellow union members. Make it clear that you want to fight for their rights.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Resolve the situation. Have the company pay the mediator's fee if the union wins the grievance.

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