New York — 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.
Steve Healy, CSEA Ontario County Local President says without a union contract, management could treat us however they wish and fire us for no just cause. Healy has been a union steward and grievance representative for more than two decades, and says the work is very gratifying. He said, “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.”
- CSEA union workers earn higher pay than nonunion workers and are more likely to have benefits and workplace protections.
- Union workers have a voice in working conditions and enjoy the security of a union contract.
- Perhaps most importantly, the impact of unions spreads beyond the workplace—it affects economic and social justice in our communities.
WHY YOUR UNION NEEDS YOU
Kathy Button
Western Region President Kathy Button says recruiting and getting new CSEA members to step up and get active is vital for workplace democracy to exist. She said, “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.”
Button says when new members get involved, this new perspective strengthens the 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. She adds, “There is strength in numbers.”
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. Button says, “This is why we need new members to get involved. Not just for today– but to ensure future generations of workers who follow us can have a solid foundation to build on our success.”
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 REPS
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 are reasonably expected to result in disciplinary action.
- When necessary, filing the required paperwork on time is critical for successful outcomes to occur.
THE 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, you can also call the Western Region offices at 716-691-6555 or 585-272-0800.
-Ove Overmyer
