ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES
of a BCTGM Shop Steward
ORGANIZER
Welcomes new hires/members to the union.
Participates in the orientation process for new members that explains the union and the rights, privileges and benefits of union membership.
Mobilizes the members for tough grievance and contract fights.
Assists in internal organizing (in right-to-work states) and external new member organizing.
REPRESENTATIVE/ GRIEVANCE HANDLER
Speaks for the Union and acts as the representative at the workplace.
Represents all workers in the bargaining unit fairly and without discrimination. Acts as the primary contract enforcer and works to make management live up to the contract.
Listens to worker complains; investigates, prepares, presents and writes grievances.
PROBLEM SOLVER
Works to resolve problems before a worker is adversely affected or before the situation escalates to a grievance.
Develops relationships of respect and trust among the membership; works to develop open communication with supervisors.
Refers workers with problems away from the workplace to the appropriate union, government, professional or community service agencies.
DUTY OF FAIR REPRESENTATION FOR STEWARDS
1) Investigate all grievances fairly and fully.
2) Donโt discriminate against your members.
3) Pay attention and adhere to the time limits in your grievance procedure.
4) Donโt play favorites or act in an arbitrary manner.
5) Represent all members equally and in good faith.
6) Keep members informed.
7) Investigate, prepare and present grievances in an above-board and professional manner.
8) Donโt โhorse-tradeโ grievances. ย Handle each grievance on its own merit.
9) Not all grievances are taken forward, particularly to arbitration. ย Many are unfounded, without basis in contract violation, unwinnable, lack evidence or supporting data.
"As a shop steward for many years, I enjoy helping workers enforce the union contract and understand their union rights and, most important, why we need the union now and in the future."
"Since we joined the union in my workplace, my co-workers and I have better working conditions, respect, and above all better wages and benefits. As a steward, I am able to explain these benefits and defend our rights in the plant."
โThese are a few of many things that are important to me as a union steward: To build a strong union in the workplace, to listen to the concerns of workers, investigate incidents and find solutions. The best part of being a union steward is to be able to represent and serve as a mediator between management and union members.โ
โMy job as a shop steward is challenging and demanding but can also sometimes be rewarding. We must make sure that the collective agreement is well respected for the well-being of all workers.โ
โBeing a shop steward, it is important to know that the leadership role you have taken on can help give value to the work of others as you negotiate on behalf of employees. The reward? It is that good feeling that comes from serving the membership!โ
โIt is important to me that I can go home every day after work and know that Iโve helped someone. As a steward, I am able to give a voice to coworkers who may be afraid to use their own voices to communicate any issues or day-to-day problems without the fear of being penalized. It makes us all feel like a stronger team.โ
โThe most important part of being a steward, to me, is protecting the rights of the members and teaching new stewards the ropes.โ
โTo me it is an honor to serve as a shop steward, making sure my union brothers and sisters know that their contractual rights and their safety are always being looked out for. To me it is important to know someone has your back and you are not alone.โ
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
