Stewards
What is a shop steward?
A shop steward is an employee of an organization or company, who represents and defends the interests of her/his fellow employees but who is also a labor union official.
Rank-and-file members of the union hold this position voluntarily (through democratic election by fellow workers or sometimes by appointment of a higher union body) while maintaining their role as an employee of the firm. As a result, the union steward becomes a significant link and conduit of information between the union leadership and rank-and-file workers.
The duties of a union steward vary according to each labor union's constitutional mandate for the position. In general, most union stewards perform the following functions:
- Monitor and enforce the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement (labor
_contract) to
_ensure both the firm and union worker are not violating the terms of the
_agreement.
- Ensure that the firm is in compliance with all federal, state and local laws and
_regulations.
- Represent and defend fellow workers whom the firm believes violated company
_policy or the
_terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement, often
_through the grievance process.
- Communicate and disseminate official union policy, memos and directives to
_workers in the shop.
- Popularize and promote union consciousness and values in the workplace.
If you are already a steward, or want to be, please
view the items below.
Steward
Application
I'll Be There
I Will Fight For My Job
Wear Red Thursdays
State
Grievance Form
City/Municipal Grievance Form
Private Sector
Grievance Form