ABC’s of Being a Union Steward

What do members expect from stewards? Members want someone who will have their back and not keep them in the dark, but there’s more to the role. An excellent way to think about this is the ABC’s of the role of a Union steward are accountability, benefits, and caring.

Accountability

Be accountable. Stewards are leaders, and they must be accountable to their coworkers. Practically, this means following up on the questions and concerns that people bring to you. Regular, helpful communication can help members feel like their input matters and that they have ownership over the union. This is a matter of principle, too: stewards are accountable to the values and mission of the labor movement.

Words like solidarity and unity aren’t just slogans; they are core principles that inform everything we do. Be honest and stick to your reasons.

Benefits of Membership

Explain the benefits of membership. Get to know the people you work with; what do they care about? Explain how the union helps them address the issues that are important to them. Many of our members might not be aware of the hard work that went into negotiating the CBA that makes a difference in their day-to-day lives on the job. Some of the things in the CBA could include: health care, OT, holidays and vacation, safety, uniform allowance, etc. Every time an experienced member explains to an inexperienced one that their employer didn’t just give them their wages and benefits – their union bargained for them – it builds our union.

• Here are some links to some other UFCW 227 benefits Local Discounts, Job Security, and Education Benefits.

Caring and Community

Do members feel like their union cares about them? This goes beyond its role as the exclusive bargaining agent. Think of it this way: do you know the names of your coworkers’ family members? When a coworker has an extended illness or experiences the loss of someone close to them, do you organize a meal train or send a condolence card? These simple acts help community members make it through hard times, and our unions are communities.

Research tells us that members who think their union is accountable, provides good benefits, and cares about them are more likely to feel good about it and to be activists themselves. Members who feel good about their union are more likely to say “yes” when you ask them to serve on a committee or wear a sticker or button during bargaining.

Good leaders can make a huge difference in a person’s life. Stewards can fill that role in our workplaces.