Types of Stewards

1)    Unit stewards are the “face of our union.” Our goal is to have a unit steward in each work unit. Their role is to advise members of their rights, educate members about the contract, and inform members of available resources to resolve workplace problems and make the most of workplace opportunities. Unit stewards also connect members with investigatory and grievance stewards to assist with discipline problems and contract violations.

2)    Investigatory stewards are trained to represent members at investigatory meetings with management, as well as educate members on their contract rights and how to use the grievance process to appeal disciplinary actions.

3)    Grievance stewards are trained to handle grievances, which can either be appealing disciplinary actions or seeking remedies for other contract violations (e.g., schedule changes, job bids, overtime, vacation). New grievance stewards only handle contract violations and are paired with staff or a seasoned grievance steward until they are signed off by the chief steward.