First, sit down with a Local 1942 steward or officer, or call the local office (233-1942) and find out what's involved. The local is committed to putting a lot of time and effort into steward training. Prospective stewards should be reasonably certain that they will be around for at least a year or two and have the time to spend on steward duties. While many of your responsibilities can be done on work time, some extra time commitment is necessary. The rule of thumb used in Local 1942 is that no steward should lose any money by being a steward. That includes everything from time lost from work (for which you are reimbursed), to childcare if necessary for you to carry out your steward duties.
After finding out what's involved, you (or a friend) should circulate a steward application and have co-workers sign it. As a steward in training, you will go through a training and Union orientation program so that you are prepared to represent your co-workers properly. After your training, you can be accepted as a steward and begin your duties.
Typically, new stewards are given small areas to cover at first and work with other stewards to put into practice what they've learned. The size of a steward's jurisdiction and/or workload is primarily up to that steward and changes are often made to accommodate changes in a steward's life. In addition to the things that experience will teach you, stewards are expected to attend the monthly membership and stewards’ meetings and to get additional training as long as they are stewards.
The monthly stewards’ meeting is the opportunity for all stewards to share information, bring up problems that need to be worked out within the local, and to make decisions on strategy or tactics on major issues facing the stewards. A set of steward by-laws has been developed which clarifies the duties of a steward and the procedures used to train and accept new stewards.
If your rights are being violated or you're just tired of finding out too late that your supervisors didn't follow the contract, maybe you ought to consider becoming a steward and stand up for yourself and your co-workers. There is an amazing difference in the way people are treated in areas with active stewards. Being a steward is also a good way to take part and learn more about unions. If interested, contact a steward or call the Local 1942 office (233-1942) for more information.
Return to "Union Stewards"... |