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Print copy of Faces Don’t Win Cases

Faces Don’t Win Cases 

Have you ever represented a member, that you personally did not like, let alone agree with? Have you ever tried to negotiate with a member of management who has not been totally honest? The job of a Steward is not always what we hoped or thought it would be. 

As a Steward you are called upon to enforce our contract, discuss grievances with management, and represent our members at proposed discipline investigations or hearings. Keep in mind that you usually will not see folks on both sides displaying their best behavior during these trying times.  

One of the important components of representation is to set aside personal feelings. In order to serve our members to the best of our ability, we must strive to rise above our own personal feelings, and get down to the basic principle that facts win cases and see that due process is followed each and every time.  

No matter what your feelings towards the person who needs your help at this moment, or the specific issue at hand, you are required to represent them in the best manner possible. And that is sometimes easier said than done.  

Keep in mind that behind closed doors, with the member, other Stewards or members of the Grievance Committee present, you have the right to share your ideas and thoughts, both pro and con, on how to resolve the issue at the moment. Only after a course of action is planned out should you finally leave behind your personal feelings and open the door in solidarity.  

Remember that you are not only representing a person, you are representing the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the Grievance Procedure. It is your responsibility to see that it is followed through.  

Faces don't win cases, facts do.