As a shop steward, you have the opportunity to advocate for workplace rights and represent your coworkers in meetings with management. Stewards play a key role in identifying workplace issues and enforcing the labor contract.

Shop stewards bring many different skills, talents, backgrounds and personalities to their work. Some stewards excel in management diplomacy, while others prefer assisting individual members. Some favor a more visible role, while others prefer to work behind-the-scenes. With their combined energy, enthusiasm and commitment, WPEA shop stewards are the foundation of a strong union.
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Roles of a shop steward

• Advise members who are having work-related problems
• Represent members who are subject to disciplinary meetings or investigations
• Assist members in matters such as performance evaluations and reallocations
• Educate members about workplace rights and contract provisions
• Identify workplace issues so that the union can take action on behalf of members
• Assist union staff in facilitating union meetings and making strategic decisions on behalf of the bargaining unit
• Serve in leadership positions such as labor-management team, bargaining team, and union elected offices

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