We won’t say where that leaves
some management teams
Education begins with attitude
At the heart of it all are District 141 Shop Stewards
Our individual quality as a Shop Steward both strengthens the Union, and affects labor relations within the company.
In the sense of linking Members together with Union leadership and company management, the old saying is true: Shop Stewards are the heart of the Union. But what’s at the heart of being a Shop Steward?
The two-word answer is
“Attitude & Skills”
The nice thing about skills is that skills can be learned. Attitude can’t really be learned – but attitude can be shaped. With that in mind, this education home page is devoted to shaping attitude. We talk more about skills throughout other sections, listed in the side bar, i.e. Bill Of Rights, FAQs, Grievances. Meanwhile here’s to getting our Shop Steward attitude in shape. The whole thing can be as simple as checking off quality points below.
Taking Attitude To The floor
Think about how many of these qualities describe who you already are. Most of us have at least some of these qualities, and perhaps quite a few. Many of us could improve here and there. The idea isn't to be perfect, but to develop a Shop Steward attitude, and take it to the floor. Don’t be afraid of an honest slip-up. Embody these qualities as best you can, when you can.
The “Attitude” Check List
- Responsible
Members often judge the Union by their Steward. So you want to be responsible. You want to look out for Member interests, over and above your own if necessary.
- Confident
When dealing with management, remember that you are the elected (or appointed) representative of your Members. As a Shop Steward, consider yourself equal to management.
- Personally Engaged
You can engage without burning out. Attend Union meetings and Union affairs. Know how to refer to the contract, by-laws and constitution. Get your area to act like a Union, where Members stick together. Keep Members informed about Union policies and activities.
- On Time
There’s no need to hesitate or stall. If you do not have an answer, say so, and seek the information. Reply to the Member when you have the right information. Meet deadlines.
- Fair
We all have personal prejudices. Leave them at the door; they’ll be there when you get done with your Union duty. Meanwhile you have a legal and ethical obligation to fair representation of all Members, including those with whom you may have personal issues. Be fair.
- Noisy
Fight discrimination, whether the discrimination is overt or hidden. Discourage prejudice – of any kind. Become active politically. Encourage Members to do likewise, by voting for labor friendly candidates. Unions shrunk; we are about to experience a resurgence. Fight the old, worn-out, anti-Union mentality, whenever you encounter it. Fight it by being informed about the new Union movement, and by being dedicated.
- Detailed
Keep accurate and up-to-date records. Write it down. Investigate every grievance as if it were your own grievance. Research every grievance as if it were going to arbitration, while trying to resolve it at the lowest possible level. Keep the Member informed about their grievance status.
- Honest
Do not promise what you cannot deliver. If you already have made a promise that becomes impossible to deliver, you own it. Admit your mistake to the Member, and don’t slide the blame to another Union representative.
- Proactive
Inform Members of Union services. Encourage use of Union services. Meet new Members early, inform and educate them. We already have plenty of dues payers; the aim is to develop believers. Become known as someone who either has answers or gets answers for Members. Keep Members informed about sources of your information.
- Proud
Pride is okay. Remember you are an IAM representative with the support of tens of thousands of other IAM Members. You’re also part of a growing movement with vision and courage. You’re part of a movement that speaks against corporations who continue to do business in the same, failed ways that have betrayed the U.S.A. and Canada, and their middle class workers.
- Goal Oriented
The goal is really pretty simple. You want to be the best Shop Steward you can be, because it’s right for Members, right for you, and more broadly it’s right for the country in which we live.
contact district 141 education and training
Kris Hannah
District 141 Education Director
Cell 651.387.6753
Fax 952.854.9586
khannah@iam141.org