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Nobody's Perfect
We're human. We all make mistakes. Some of these mistakes
are particularly serious. Here is a list of mistakes that are sometimes
made that can have a huge negative impact on our membership. Read them
over and make sure you are not guilty of these errors!
Never Get Back To The Grievant
This usually happens when the steward determines that the member has no
grievance. Rather than be the bearer of bad tidings, the steward
disappears. If the issue is not grievable under the contract, see if it
can be resolved in another manner. If not, tell the member that the issue
cannot be written as a grievance, and give the reasons why.
Bad Mouth The Union
If you have a problem with the way things are done or with your
leadership, discuss the issues in a rational manner. Get off the soapbox
and see if the difference can be resolved. There's plenty of room for
discussion and disagreement. When it spills out on the shop floor or at a
meeting when management is present, such disagreements can permanently
weaken the union.
Drop The Ball
You are the steward with responsibilities outlined by the
IAM constitution and by-laws. You should not make basic mistakes.
Grievances should be written correctly. Information should be shared. You
should know your rights. If you are unsure or don't know the answer, ask.
Don't Just Sit There With
Management
In your role as a
steward you are the union advocate. This role must be an active one. You
are the equal of management. You may ask questions, ask for and get
records to process grievances, and even raise your voice at meetings when
necessary.
Lose Control
A major mistake. You or a member may be baited at a
grievance investigation or hearing so that you will get angry. A steward
who argues out of anger and not facts will lose the grievance. Period.
Write Long Grievances
Grievances should be short and sweet. Management is being
paid to supervise. Don't do the work for them. Your grievances should
identify the grievant, outline the problem in a sentence or two, state
what article of the contract is being violated, and what remedy you want
to make the grievant whole. Save the arguments for the meeting.
Constantly Flapping the Jaws
There is nothing that will sour the membership as fast as a
Steward or other Union official who doesn't know when to shut up. Whatever
facts you find out during a grievance investigation or hearing should
never be made public for all to know. Keep it
confidential. |
