Shop Steward Signup Form

  • Shop Steward Signup Form


    What is a Shop Steward?

    A strong shop steward can make the difference between a strong workplace union and a weak workplace union. Shop stewards need to be honest, think critically, and be willing to take positions thatare fair - which can be unpopular both with Management and the Members. Local 575's best shop stewards aren't necessarily those who have years of experience. Some of our best shop stewards simply have the qualities mentioned earlier.

    If you're appointed to be a Shop Steward, you might not know what you're getting into. In reading the responsibilities listed below, you might feel overwhelmed. Don't sweat it; you're not expected to know everything. That said, establish a network of support: Keep in regular contact with your Executive Board and any other shop stewards at your workplace. Attend Local 575’s shop steward trainings. We at Local 575 will support and invest in you in any way we can.

    Stewards are working Members who represent the TWU at their workplace. They are appointed in accordance with the TWU Local 575’s bylaws. They are advocates for their brothers and sisters in the workplace and, consequently, they must be accessible to the Members they represent. They are expected to act fairly and impartially and, by example, represent the highest principles of the trade union movement.

    The duties of Stewards include:

    • Educating Members about the terms and conditions of their collective bargaining
    agreement andanswer questions about the collective bargaining agreement.
    • Monitoring and enforcing the collective bargaining agreement with the Employer.
    • Requiring that Members adhere to the provisions of the collective bargaining
    agreement.
    • Working directly with the Union’s Executive Board regarding all grievances and
    disputes, including the investigation and presentation of grievances and the direct
    representation of Members who are subject to discipline or discharge.
    • Posting all official communications from the Union and/or from the assigned
    Board Member on the appropriate Union bulletin board.
    • Reporting to Members the activities of the Union --- General Membership
    Meetings, Steward Meetings, Committee Reports, Elections, etc.
    • Advising Members of the services and opportunities provided by the Union,
    specifically those which come directly from the collective bargaining agreement
    and those that come from the Union.
    • Always Endeavoring to create favorable conditions and to maintain harmonious
    co-worker relationships, but, when not possible, to resolve differences or
    disputes between or among Members.
    • Always conducting himself/herself in such a manner as to set a good example for
    the Members they represent and all Members of the Union.

    Be informed:

    • Know your contract, the grievance process.
    • Know your workplace. Know your employer's policies and rules. Understand
    the relationshipsbetween your coworkers and management. Keep your ears to
    the ground on workplace changes.
    • Know your rights as an employee, as a shop steward, and as a union member.
    • Know what's happening with Local 575. Understand Local 575's policies and
    bylaws. Attend Local 575’s monthly membership meetings to find out what’s happening and to participate in decisions. Report back to your coworkers on
    Local 575’s news, meetings, events and trainings.

    Communicate:

    • Listen to what members say and ask. You don’t have to be an expert in
    everything, but alwaysget back to folks. Members need to trust you.
    • Greet every new member and welcome him or her to your union. The sooner the
    better.
    • Keep in regular contact with your Executive Board. You don't need an excuse to
    reach out.
    • Hold regular meetings, even if it’s just an informal get together over lunch or
    coffee. Discuss what's happening in your workplace. Ask for members to give
    their thoughts.
    • Strive for 100% union membership in your workplace. Get help from your
    coworkers to make this happen. You can’t do this alone.

    Empower:

    • Encourage members to read and understand your Collective Bargaining
    Agreement (CBA). You can hold lunchtime meetings during which you collectively
    read through a few articles of your CBA. You'll be surprised at the questions and
    information that members have

    Shop Stewards are appointed by the Executive Board for specific terms defined by the local bylaws. They have no special privileges or rights different from their colleagues. Instead, they have chosen to accept the opportunity to represent Local 575. From attending the monthly GMM meeting, to filing grievances on behalf of colleagues, to negotiating and interpreting the contract, Shop Stewards are responsible for making sure processes are followed and all Members are treated fairly in accordance with the contract. It can be a difficult job, but also a very rewarding job. A Local is only as strong as its Members and their Stewards’ commitment to and knowledge of the contract.

    • Duty of Fair Representation: 

    • The Duty of Fair Representation is the legal duty of a union to equally, and in
      good faith, represent every employee in a bargaining unit, regardless of whether
      the employee is a union member or not. A strong shop steward can make the
      difference between a strong workplace union and a weak workplace union. Shop
      stewards need to be honest, think critically, and be willing to take positions that
      are fair - which can be unpopular both with management and with unit members.

      Please Answer The Questions Below:

    • Are you able to attend the General Membership Meetings?*
    • Are you willing to take an active role in improving our work conditions?*
    • Will you ever deny a member representation?*
    • Have you read the CBA? If no, please read the CBA promptly.*
    • Are you ok with completing paperwork?*
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