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Steward Resources

Every Chicago Guild unit has a steward network. Stewards are critical to building power for our union – they build solidarity in our shops, and make sure our bosses follow our contracts and the law! Stewards wear many hats: problem solver, leader, educator, communicator and organizer. 

 

A strong steward network is a sign of a strong shop and union! For more information on who the stewards are in each unit, please visit each unit’s bargaining unit page. Here is a handy collection of resources for stewards or any member that wants to know more about their rights in the workplace!

Jump to Section:

What Does a Steward Do?

The Steward's Role

The steward has many roles which help to build the union!

Labor Notes: How to be a Good Listener

Listening is key for a steward’s success!

Labor Notes: Your Legal Rights in the Union

You have rights as a steward- know them!

The Right to Information

You have the right to request information needed to enforce the CBA, prepare for bargaining and investigate grievances!

The Right to Representation: Weingarten Resources

Union workers have a right to have a representative in disciplinary meetings – don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! Here’s what to do if you’re called into a meeting as a steward or a worker.

Weingarten Card

Save this or print it out and have it nearby!

Weingarten Rights Flyer

Know what employee and stewards’ rights are in disciplinary meetings.

Weingarten Checklist & Notes Template

Use this checklist and notes template to take notes and ask all the right questions.

Organizing, Educating and Agitating:
Collective Action Gets the Goods

When workers come together, they have power! Stewards are there to inform and motivate!

A-E-I-O-U

Worker-to-worker conversations are the foundation of our power! Learn how to have an effective organizing conversation.

Assessing Our Power

Accurately assess your union’s power using a 1-5 assessment scale.

Answering Difficult Questions

Don't let “yeah buts” get you down! Feel confident and prepared to answer difficult questions.

Labor Notes: Beating Apathy Mini Course

Take a deeper dive into assessing your union and learn how to beat apathy

Labor Notes: A Good Organizing Issue

A good organizing issue builds the union!

Labor Notes: Turn up the Heat

Think about how to escalate your actions when coming up with a plan.

Enforcing the Contract: Grievance Basics

When the boss doesn’t follow the contract, a well-handled grievance gets things back on track. Learn to spot a violation, defend just cause and write a grievance.

5 Grounds for a Grievance

Is the issue you are faced with really a grievance?

Just Cause Standards

Enforce just cause and fight unfair discipline by using just standards.

Template for Disciplinary Grievances

Use the template to write a successful disciplinary grievance.

Template for Contract Violation Grievances

Use the template to write a successful union grievance or contract violation grievance.

Preparing For a Grievance

In order to successfully navigate the grievance process, preparation is key!  

Interviewing the Grievants and Getting the Facts

What questions should you ask when preparing for a grievance or investigating a potential grievance?

Investigation Fact Sheet

Use the investigation fact sheet to streamline your investigation and to make writing the grievance easier. 

Making an Information Request

Make sure you are prepared to thoroughly represent your colleague by making an information request.

Information Request Template

Use the information request template to easily request the information you need from management.

Writing a Grievance

In just three sentences you can write a grievance!

Presenting the Grievance

Take charge and present your case confidentially to the boss.

Presenting the Grievance

Prepare a clear, logical argument to convince management to remedy our grievance. 

Tips for Meeting with Management

Take control of the grievance meeting with confidence!

When Management Says No

When faced with a No, ask follow up questions to move management closer to Yes. 

Other Resources

Have questions?
Want to set up steward skills workshops for your unit?

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