Know Your Rights - the Right to See a Union Steward

Management continues to cut our jobs and routinely violate our contract.

You have the right to request and receive union representation.

If you see any violations or have any issues, you should contact your supervisor and request to see a steward.

You are not obligated to discuss or attempt to resolve your issue with your supervisor prior to seeing a steward.

You are only obligated to tell your supervisor the general nature of the need for a steward, such as:

        Overtime

        Hostile work environment

        Managment performing bargaining unit work        

You do not have to provide the supervisor with the details or specifics of your issue.

You are entitled to meet with a steward off the floor and take the necessary time to discuss your issues.

The following is the rule with respect to employees receiving union representation:

Q. How should the situations be handled when an employee asks to see a steward or a steward requests time to process or continue processing a grievance and the steward is needed on his/her work assignment?

A. Normally, 95% of the time, a union steward and/or employee will be released within two (2) hours of his/her request.  If this condition cannot be met, the supervisor will notify the steward and/or employee of the reasons for the delay. 

Normally the steward and/or employee will be released before the end of the tour.  However, if the steward and/or employee is not released within that time frame, the steward and/or employee must be released immediately upon the beginning of his/her next tour of duty. 

In the event a steward or employee is delayed until their next tour, the steward/employee should notify the supervisor of the prior request.

Management MAY NOT discourage you from talking to a union steward. 

Management MAY NOT tell you that you don't have a grievance. 

You have a right to see a steward upon request.

Management may appear to be helpful, but remember, they are under no obligation to inform you of your rights under the contract. They are, after all, still management!

If you feel your rights have been violated, or if you have a question regarding your rights under the contract, request to see your shop steward.

        Be informed, stay informed. In knowledge there is power,

in unity there is strength.