Stewards Guide

 

Communicator

The role of communicator runs throughout every other role of the steward. As a democratic institution, a breakdown in communications can seriously damage a union. Listed below are some of the things that the steward should do and know to fulfill the role of communicator, and suggestions as to how to do them:

THE STEWARD AS A COMMUNICATOR

 

What You Do:

  1. Keep members informed on union policies and activities
  2. Detect and stop rumors
  3. Keep members informed on company proposals and policies
  4. Direct problems through the proper channels
  5. Use several different methods of communicating with the members
  6. Encourage members to contribute to your local newsletter
  7. Urge attendance and participation at union meetings

What You Need To Know:

  1. Union policies and activities and their rationale
  2. Where the rumor started and why
  3. Members should look to you for their information
  4. Who has responsibility over the area in question
  5. Communications methods may differ according to the message
  6. The newsletter is the voice of the members and the officers
  7. The union meeting is democracy in action

ORGANIZER

Organizing the unorganized is the charge of all unionist, whether they be an international officer, or a steward. A major task of the steward is to organize the members in his/her department. Listed below are the things that the steward should do and know to fulfill the role of organizer and suggestions as to how to do them:

THE STEWARD AS AN ORGANIZER

What You Do:

  1. Organize unorganized-Goal 100%
  2. Greet new employees
  3. Collect dues
  4. Collect check off authorizations
  5. Urge attendance at meetings
  6. Develop membership participation
  7. Combat anti-union activities

  8. Make daily contacts
  9. Keep a list of non-union members

 

What You Need To Know:

  1. Real objections of non-members
  2. Who's who in your department
  3. Dues standing of each member
  4. Reasons for union security
  5. Democratic nature of union
  6. Various committee needs
  7. Who is dissatisfied with the union and why
  8. The union must be visible
  9. Never give up on your goal of 100% organized

 

How You Go About It:

  1. Respect the sincerity and opinions of every worker.
  2. Treat all alike regardless of face, sex, color or political beliefs.
  3. Protect the interest of the non-union worker as diligently as you may defend the union member.
  4. Recognize that your union is a voluntary association of free men and women. Solid support can only be won through reason, persuasion and effective representation.
  5. Keep everlastingly at it.
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