Page 13 - Work_Force_February_2019

“The union difference is clear. Having a voice at work and being able to find solutions to workplace problems is critical if we are going to succeed as one community. [Un”ion activism] is very gratifying work.
— Steve Healy, president, Ontario County Local
“There is strength in numbers, and
this is why we need new members to get involved. This is not just for today, but to ensure future generations of workers who follow us can have a”solid foundation to build on our success.
— Western Region President Kathy Button
CSEA Steward and Grievance Representation:
Why our union needs you
When working people join together in unions, we have the power to improve our workplaces and our local communities. We can achieve a better standard of living when we are united rather than standing alone.
Without a union contract, management could treat us however they wish and fire us for no just cause, but here are some of the many differences of being union:
What you need to know
A union steward, also known
as a union representative or shop steward, is an employee of a municipality or corporation but also a labor union official who represents and defends the interests of his or her fellow employees.
The role is a voluntary position and is generally an appointment after the member receives CSEA endorsed education and training sessions.
The role of the union steward is to represent the member employees commonly referred to as the “rank- and-file” and to be the eyes-and-
ears of the union and a conduit of information between co-workers and the union leadership.
Duties of union representatives
Solving workplace problems is the steward’s primary responsibility. Our goal should always be to solve problems informally when possible. Many, if not most, workplace issues are remedied this way. Stewards simply approach supervisors or managers, make a case and convince them to do the right thing. Trust
and building positive relationships are critical to successful union stewardship.
Duties of CSEA stewards and grievance representatives vary
in accordance to each local and unit mandate for the position, but generally include:
• Informing the workers of their rights under the collective bargaining agreement (CBA);
• Monitoring and enforcing the provisions of the CBA;
• Ensuring employer compliance with the CBA, federal, state and local laws.
• Additionally, when an employee is believed to have violated policy or the CBA, the steward duties through the grievance procedure are to represent, defend and protect rank-and-file employees in investigatory interviews that
•
• •
Union members earn higher pay than nonunion members and are more likely to have benefits and workplace protections.
Unionized workers have a voice in working conditions and enjoy the security of a union contract.
Our union voice spreads beyond the workplace — it affects economic and social justice in our communities.
Why our union needs you
It’s important for our current activists and officers to get involved in recruiting future CSEA activists because our participation in
our union is vital for workplace democracy to exist.
Being a union steward means working with your co-workers to solve problems together. It also requires the ability to listen to members’ views and promote unity and participation.
When new members get involved, this new perspective strengthens
our union when it comes to having our voice heard and finding remedies to keep our members whole. It
also allows us to provide greater protection and justice for each other when conflict and issues arise.
Being a steward means stepping up to play a key role in building our union and fortifying our succession plan. While not always an easy job, the role of a steward can be deeply rewarding—and something to be proud of.
are reasonably expected to
result in disciplinary action. • When necessary, filing the
required paperwork on time is critical for successful outcomes to occur.
Next steps
If you are interested in taking a proactive role in your union, please reach out to the elected leadership
in your workplace. Volunteering your time to become part of something bigger than one’s self could have tremendous personal rewards for you and your family.
For additional information about becoming a union steward or grievance representative, contact your region office or unit or local president.
— Ove Overmyer
February 2019
The Work Force 13