A Steward’s Responsibilities: What Workers Can Expect From You

[Omaha Steve]

http://biglabor.com/tip.php

Among other things:

* Every worker complaint is not a grievance. A worker will pressure a steward to file a grievance because he feels wronged at the moment, but grievances should be filed only after an investigation determines that they are indeed legitimate.

* You don’t have to be a trained counselor. Workers frequently bring personal problems to stewards because such problems affect their work. Stewards can handle the job part of it—for instance, if a worker is disciplined for too many absences because of a family problem. But you should refer the worker to a trained professional for help with the family problem itself. Your local union or the community services section of your central labor body can provide referrals.

Adapted from The Union Steward’s Complete Guide, 2nd Edition, edited by David Prosten

For info on Online Steward Training, click here.