Union steward
Union Steward (aka Shop Steward) is the title of an official position within the organizational hierarchy of a labor union. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that 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.
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Duties
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 & Local laws and regulations.
- Represent & defend fellow workers whom the firm believes violated company policy or the terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement.
- Communicate & disseminate official union policy, memos and directives to workers in the shop.
- Popularize and promote union consciousness and values in the workplace
Collective Bargaining Agreement Sample Steward Clause
(labor contract between the Service Employees International Union local 767 & Windemere Nursing - source: http://www.seiu767.org/WINDEMERE.pdf)
5.6 Stewards.
(a) The Home agrees to recognize such Union stewards,duly appointed by and acting as agents of the Union, who mayreceive complaints and process grievances through the grievanceprocedure. The Union shall provide the Home with a written list ofsuch stewards and alternates, if any.
(b) Union stewards shall be permitted to use a reasonableamount of work time with pay, as approved in advance by theAdministrator (which approval will not be unreasonably denied),for the purpose of handling and processing grievances.
(c) The Union steward shall not direct any worker how toperform or not perform his/her work, shall not countermand theorder of a supervisor and shall not interfere with the normaloperations of the Home or any other worker.
(d) The Homeļ£s designated representative shall berequired to meet with only one Union steward and/or the UnionChairperson on any grievance.
5.7 Handling of Contract Matters.
The Union Chairperson(s) will be allowed up to four scheduled hours perweek (or more if needed) with pay to handle matters under thiscontract, provided that it does not interfere with patient care orwith the operating needs of the Home.
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Categories
Labour relations | Trade unions