Home

updated 03/05/2008 9:32 AM

Basic Overview of Steward Roles/Duties

• Enforcement of the contract depends on the steward.
• Members often judge the Union by their steward.  If the steward is fair and looks out for their interests, they respect and support the Union.
• The steward can encourage members to take an interest in the Union and take part in it.
• The steward is the link between members, the Union and management.
• The steward represents the Union and speaks on behalf of the members with management.
• The steward keeps members informed about the Union and keeps Union leadership informed about the department or station.
• The steward keeps the members and Union officers informed about management's attitude in the department or station.

Duties of a Good Steward

• Organize and keep the bargaining unit 100%
• Handle grievances and enforce the contract
• Provide leadership
• Educate
• Advise members on non-company problems

Tools of a Steward

• Collective bargaining agreement
• Local and District bylaws
• IAM Constitution
• Seniority list
• Job descriptions
• Grievance file
• Names and telephone numbers of officers
• Information file of members
• Names of grievance committee members
• Worker's Compensation information
• Unemployment information

What Does the Steward Have to Know?

• The collective bargaining agreement
• The department or station
• The people the steward works with
• IAM policies and activities
• Basics of labor law
• Community resources

Where Does the Steward Get This Information?

• Membership and steward's meetings
• Informal discussion with other stewards, representatives, lodge officers and other IAM representatives
• Publications
• IAM classes, conferences and education program

Five Points on Preparing for Grievances

• Listen to the facts from the member
• Test for a grievance -- check the contract to verify contract violations
• Investigate -- double check your facts -- take notes
• Write the grievance -- a simple statement on District 143 forms
• Present the grievance -- check the contract for proper procedures in presenting the grievance to appropriate Company hearing officer.  Present your facts in a firm, yet polite manner

Putting a Grievance on Paper

• Check your contract procedures
• Check your time limits -- do not be faced with losing a grievance because of time limits.

  
  Remember the 5 Ws

  • Who is involved in the grievance?
  • Why is it a grievance?
  • When did the grievance occur?
  • Where did the grievance occur?
  • What settlement is requested?