Union Stewards Guide to Effective Leadership
Our focus is to give assistance to our shop stewards who are helping union members throughout Local 1205. We are grateful to you and tip our union hats to you who serve your co-workers and Local 1205. You accepted the important responsibilities of workplace leadership. A position that can be fraught with anxiety and frustration, but is also a position that is truly gratifying as you help and assist your co-workers. That alone is our reward for serving the membership.
Stewards Role in Filing Grievances
Local 1205 Grievance Form
You most likely will be called upon to file periodic grievances. This right is to be protected but not abused and good judgment should be exercised in applying our responsibilities of providing due process. To help assess the validity of a potential grievance consider the following "Just Cause" standards.
Duty of Fair Representation for Stewards
1. Investigate all grievances fairly and fully.
2. Don't discriminate against your members.
3. Pay attention and adhere to the time limits in your grievance procedure.
4. Don't play favorites or act in an arbitrary manner.
5. Represent all members equally and in good faith.
6. Keep members informed.
7.
Investigation Strategies for Stewards
A member approaches the steward with a grievance. What should you do?
STEP ONE: LISTEN
Stewards need to listen carefully to a member's problem or complaint. You might ask the member some questions and even have the member review the facts more than once. The facts may change as more information is given.
