The Steward as a Negotiator
The primary negotiating task of the steward is the handling of grievances. Listed below are the things that a steward should do and know to fulfill the role of negotiator and suggestions as to how to handle them:
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What you do: What you need to know:
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Settle grievances Proper grievances handling ___________________________________________________________
Screen gripes from grievances How to analyze a grievances
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Police the contract Meaning of contract clauses
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Check working conditions Health and safety hazards
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Enforce labor legislation Federal and state labor laws
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Keep written records All settlements reached
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How you go about it:
1. Check all available facts before taking an issue to management.
2. Prepare your case so that it is clear, complete and to the point.
3. Be careful to observe all contract requirements on grievance handling.
4. In dealing with your supervisor be business-like, polite and firm.
(a) Don't bully or threaten.
(b) Treat the other person with respect and demand you be treated in the same manner.
5.Keep the grievance(s) informed as to the status o the grievance.
6.Follow through all the way to final settlement.
The steward must take the leadership role in his/her department. He/She must set an example for other workers to follow. The steward must make decisions which uphold the terms of the collective bargaining agreement and the union constitution and bylaws. Listed below are the things the steward should do and know to fulfill the role of leader and suggestion as to how to do them:
The Steward as a Leader
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What you do: What you need to know:
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Work for the group welfare Long-range aims of the UNION ___________________________________________________________
Fight for what is right The consequences of your actions
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Act promptly and decisively Actions speak louder than words
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Establish friendly relations The other person also has a point ___________________________________________________________
Hold no grudges You can't win them all
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Discourage factional bickering Why people disagree
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Lead instead of drive Adults respond to sound reasoning
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How You go about it
1. Know the facts, write them down, and talk them over.
2. Keep the people who are being affected informed on the course of
action.
3. Give credit where credit is due.
4. Ask for advice and help. You can't know everything.
5. Keep your word and deal fairly and impartially.
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