I'm a Union Shop Steward spending the week as a Union Council Rep
I've been pretty active in my Stewarding, and this is an opportunity to get what amounts to Advanced Steward Training. Ride along with Council Reps, the AFSCME employees, and experience as many aspects as I can.
There is a lot I've done, but I've gotten to see and do things I hadn't experienced.
Sat in on the Statewide Grievance Committee--last step before Arbitration. It's a technical process, but it was thrilling to see how committed others are in seeing justice prevail. Labor Lawyers who are self described contract and policy nerds and passionate about seeing justice. Stewards who are Executive Board Members of Locals that travel and use Leave or take LWOP for Union Activities.
Done a couple of grievance hearings, and got to sit in on several more. Got to see Management that is very committed to seeing the contract upheld as well as Management that appeared clueless.
Yesterday, we held a rally a day before the next bargaining session and got huge turnout. Afterward, did an impromptu protest at a neighboring state office building. Interrupted a special bargaining session. Our people in bargaining were all but dying laughing. Management was pissed off. Building security was freaked out and didn't know what to do.
Finished up today with an awful experience. Member getting a medical disability separation. Getting to see up close just how razor thin to non existent our safety nets are just crushes one inside. It's now been about 2.5 hours that it finally hits me and I start crying as I wonder what will ultimately happen to this person. I can generally detach emotionally in order to represent effectively there and then in the moment, but I'm so glad I wasn't running point on this today.
I know there are a lot of people who are thankful for their Stewards. Today, I'm extremely thankful for my Council Reps. It's not going to be enough for me anymore to just say hi or shake hands. I'm going to have to hug them every time I see them.
