What the definition of a UNION REPRESENTATIVE?

 

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.

  

All information is available on the CSEA's workforce newspaper and information portal.