The Union Steward's Complete Guide - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0965948609 ISBN 13: 9780965948609

Publisher: Union Communication Services Inc, 1997

About this title

From the Author

This book is designed to help those who help: the hundreds of thousands of union stewards across North America who serve their co-workers and their unions by taking on the burdens of workplace leadership. Stewards are critical players in the success or failure of their unions. Unlike any other union leaders, they are in day-to- day contact with the membership and are in a unique position to be on top of what's going on in the workplace -- whether the employer is abiding by the contract and whether the union is effectively responding to workplace problems.

To most workers, their steward is the union. The steward is the only union presence the workers see day to day, the only personal contact they have with the union unless -- don't hold your breath -- they come out to union meetings. In a very literal way, unions simply could not function without stewards.

This book will help those new to the stewards' ranks understand the vital importance of their mission and the basics of their role, and provide them with advice and counsel to make more manageable the demands on their skills, time and energy.

And it offers more experienced stewards the opportunity to learn new ways of handling old problems: different approaches, tactics and strategies that can help on everything from winning grievances to avoiding burnout.

The Union Steward's Complete Guide is based largely on material previously published in Steward Update newsletter, the bi-monthly education and training guide offered since 1989 by Union Communication Services of Washington, D.C. More than 1,000 local unions subscribe in bulk to the newsletter today and give copies to their stewards across the United States and Canada. Some 40,000 stewards see each issue.

The goal of this book is to provide aid, comfort and tactical ammunition to the labor movement's front-line troops, its union stewards. I hope it will help strengthen the labor movement while it pursues its vital mission. Employers of all stripes are making things harder than ever these days for workers who are organizing and fighting to improve their lives. From the huge international conglomerate to the small independent operator looking to make his first million bucks, to the public employer who has decided contracting out is the road to taxpayer approval and thus re-election, the need for a strong, militant and united labor movement has never been more felt. The only thing standing between unfair employers and their workers are unions, and without dedicated and trained stewards, unions cannot succeed.

From the Back Cover

What they're saying about Steward Update newsletter, on which The Union Steward's Complete Guide is based:

"My local has subscribed for our stewards, all 250 of them, since 1989. I can't tell you how much Steward Update has done to strengthen and build our union. It's great." Clay Bowman, President, UFCW Local 1360

"My stewards always look forward to receiving their copy of Steward Update -- they rate it first class." Peter Kerrick, President, OCAW Local 6-409

"Steward Update is timely and thorough. It's filled with information that just isn't available from any other source. We can't imagine getting along with out it." Sally Davies, President, AFSCME Local 1072

"Our people find the newsletter very informative and look forward to each issue." Jim Ferrano, Recording Secretary, UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 340

"I look forward to getting my Steward Update every couple of months. It really hits home on several issues happening at the Post Office. At the same time, it helps me deal with the stress and BS that comes with the job." Eddie Beaver, Steward and Chief Trustee, APWU local 130

"This [Steward Update] stuff is absolutely great for our stewards. You can't beat it. It's wonderful!" Daryl Eygabroad, President, IAM Lodge 1040

"Steward Update is a great source of practical advise and timely information for our local union leaders facing the challenges of today's workplace. We make sure that all of our stewards receive the newsletter." Peter Goldberger, Education and Mobilization Director, UNITE

Edition details

• Publisher: Union Communication Services Inc
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0965948609
• ISBN 13: 9780965948609
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 225
• Editor: Prosten David