-
Know the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
-
It is not necessary to know the exact contract language,
but a Steward should be familiar with each Article of the Agreement and
have it available at all times.
-
Know the personalities that will be dealt with.
-
Everyone is different and different approaches are needed
for all types, whether they be co-worker or management. The Steward must
act on the basis of sound judgment, uncluttered by bias or emotionalism.
-
Know the different jobs and the seniority of the
membership.
-
A Steward does not have to be a "Super Employee" who must
do more than anyone else, but he or she should have a grasp of what each
job entails. An up to date seniority roster can resolve many problems
quickly and efficiently.
-
Know company rules and practices.
-
A
Steward should know the company rules; not just the written and posted
rules, but the company practices. The rules consist of what the company
does, as well
as what it says.
-
Know the basic rights of Workmen's Compensation in your
state as well as other laws that protect the workers.
-
Certain laws provide that employees must be compensated in
case of injury or illness arising from the job. Two federal laws that a
Steward should be familiar with are; the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
-
Know relevant safety laws and rules.
-
The Steward should call safety hazards to the attention of
representatives of the Union/Management Safety Committee. The Union is the
best protection of the worker's safety and the most active body for the
enforcement of safety laws.
