You just make sure management doesn't do anything stupid and is respectful to the employee when talking to them about things that have to do with their jobs, like write ups, ect.
And go to union meetings.
-- Edited by BagBoy on Friday 11th of October 2013 08:31:22 PM
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Would you like fries with th... I mean, your milk in a bag?
I'm a shop steward and you just need to get in contact with your union representative unless someone in your store is already designated. I took over after our cutter retired after 35 years. Sometimes they have seminars at the union hall to train shop stewards. Basically when someone get written up you decide upon whether its in the right and if its not you'll file a grievance.
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My Views and Opinions do not reflect that of the Kroger company. I'm an indivdual expressing my 1st amendment right.
I'm a shop steward and you just need to get in contact with your union representative unless someone in your store is already designated. I took over after our cutter retired after 35 years. Sometimes they have seminars at the union hall to train shop stewards. Basically when someone get written up you decide upon whether its in the right and if its not you'll file a grievance.
We've got one already, who is completely thrilled that she's not the only one now.
Remember you are beholden to the membership in your store, not management, when you are performing union duties. The trust and privacy of the members in your store is sacrosanct. Do not take it for granted.
Sign as many people up for ABC and the UFCW foundation as possible. This is not easy, and it's not fun, but you really have to believe in these programs and sell them to other people. Constantly bang the drum for scholarships, and outings, and fundraisers, and everything else the union does that is a "fringe" benefit.
Your role is to be an educator and advocate to the members in your store. Do what they ask, even if it is filing a grievance you don't agree with, and follow through as well as possible for everyone. Be prepared for that to not be enough for some people. Promote solidarity in your store, and be a leader. Set an example with your work ethic and attitude. Don't give management a reason to doubt you. Remember that you are a liaison between workers and management, so building diplomatic roads between both sides is of utmost importance. Be polite in your dealings with management, but firm. Having a harsh disagreement with them is one of the hardest things you'll have to do, but try not to make it personal, don't lose your temper, and compartmentalize the issues as much as you can. Sometimes they'll be wrong. Sometimes you'll be wrong. Follow the process.
It's all easier said than done, but it is rewarding and you will learn a lot. Some people are going to talk trash either way, but let it roll off your back. Learn everything you can, teach everything you can, attend your training seminars and your yearly conference.
Quite frankly, I know a lot of people on this board are going to read this and say, "my steward doesn't do any of that stuff." As union members, we should expect no less. Remember that the union is ALL of it's members, not just the stewards, agents, executive board and officers. We'll all get out of it what we put in, and if you have people that suck, demand better and lead by example.
Gooooooood luck. Someone's gotta do it. Might as well be you :)
This is why I could never be a union steward. I am the type of person that speaks openly and bluntly. I do not sugar coat and do not try to be middle of the road to keep both sides happy. I say what I have to say and if one party does not like it, they can go f2ck themselves. Plain and simple !
This is why I could never be a union steward. I am the type of person that speaks openly and bluntly. I do not sugar coat and do not try to be middle of the road to keep both sides happy. I say what I have to say and if one party does not like it, they can go f2ck themselves. Plain and simple !
if thats true youd be a goof union rep. Except youre for the workers not the company
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My Views and Opinions do not reflect that of the Kroger company. I'm an indivdual expressing my 1st amendment right.
