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As a union member, you have the right to representation in any situation where management is asking you questions that could lead to discipline or otherwise adverse treatment. If you are concerned that management is considering some disciplinary action against you, you do not have to answer any questions alone. Any time before or during questioning by a supervisor, you can ask for a union representative, and management must grant your request before proceeding. Your representative has the right to participate by offering advice and making objections to management tactics. You can caucus (confer privately) with your representative at any time during questioning. These are known as your Weingarten Rights. |
Stewards are authorized members of a local union who are committed to
involvement in the union’s relationship with the employer. Their job is
to be knowledgeable and represent the union to other members by being a source
of information, encouragement, and assistance when possible. The best means of
achieving gains for members and preventing abuses by management is to have an
educated and involved membership, and so this should be the #1 priority for
stewards.
An
important responsibility of stewards is to represent fellow members who are
having difficulties with management and if necessary to advocate for them by
using the grievance process. For this purpose stewards have certain privileges
under federal law. The main privilege of stewards is that when acting in their
role they are legally equal to management and cannot be charged with
insubordination or otherwise disciplined for contesting a manager as a legally
equal person.
When
disagreements, disciplinary problems, and other difficulties do arise between
management and workers they are best resolved informally and at the earliest
stage possible. For example, a steward’s assistance as a mediator or
presence at an informal meeting can level the playing field by helping a fellow
member relate to a supervisor more as a fellow human being than as an authority
figure. By such involvement, a strong union will be able to provide a firm
foundation of confidence for its members in their right to be treated respectfully
and fairly. Become aware of who you can contact for assistance and don't
hesitate to ask if you think a steward could help resolve a problem.
If it
becomes necessary to formally criticize or challenge management about some
issue, a steward’s involvement is essential. The grievance process
provides the means for union members to pursue justice with a steward as
representative. Supervisors and managers can be held accountable for their
decisions and actions, in serious cases by contracting an independent arbitrator.
Details of the grievance process can be found in the resources below and in
article 7 of the contract.
Full
members of Local 977 are eligible to become stewards subject to approval by the
executive board. Prior to authorization, two days of training are provided at
Council 5 with reimbursement for time off from work. If you are interested in
becoming a steward, contact an officer or the chief steward of your unit for
more information.
Resources:
Council 5
Stewards' Resources
AFSCME Stewards' Manual
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