Shop Steward
The role of a shop steward is often times a difficult and thankless job. Some of us have a tendency to take for granted the efforts they make on our behalf. I want to thank all the shop stewards for all your efforts, and ask those reading, to do the same. I also want to welcome all the new shop stewards that most recently were elected, and give thanks to the departing stewards for a job well done.
Probably the most important role of a shop steward is to initiate, investigate and process grievances at the local level. Generally speaking, there are two types of grievances filed on your behalf when the need arises. There are contract-issue grievances, such as denied leave and forced overtime, and there are discipline-issue grievances when management improperly issues a letter of warning, suspension, etc. There are some basic things we can do to help your shop steward in either situation.
First, if you are the grievant, write a statement about what happened. If it is a contract issue, the union has to satisfy what is known as “the burden of proof,” and a statement can help your shop steward prove our case. If it is a discipline issue, management has the burden of proof, and a statement can help your shop steward in his/her efforts to defend you.
Second, if you are a witness to what happened, come forward and write a statement about what you saw and/or heard. This will help your shop steward add further support to our position in any grievance. If you are the grievant, point out anyone you believe witnessed the situation so your shop steward can consider interviewing them.
If it is a discipline issue, and any member of management (or law enforcement) brings you into the office and starts to question you, and you reasonably believe it could lead to discipline, you should read the following statement, called Weingarten rights:
If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I respectfully request that my union representative, officer, or steward be present at this meeting. Without my union representation present, I respectfully choose not to answer any questions or participate in this discussion.
It is important that all members know and understand their Weingarten rights. You have to remember to exercise your Weingarten rights and ask for your shop steward before answering questions.
Under Weingarten, you have the right to know what issue management is concerned about and the right to talk to your shop steward before the actual questioning takes place. Your shop steward is not just a silent witness in this situation. He or she has a right to assist you while they are asking you questions.
Exercising your right to have a shop steward present when you believe a conversation with a member of management could lead to discipline, is really important. This gives you the opportunity to find out why you are being questioned and get some advice before questioning begins. You will also have a witness to what is said and have representation during questioning. This will help your shop steward by giving him/her the chance to begin defending you before discipline is actually issued. The most important thing to remember is that only you can exercise your Weingarten rights. All you have to do is ask.
Please remember to welcome the new shop stewards, if they were recently elected, to the position of steward or alternate steward.
Be safe and keep smiling.
