A union representative, union steward, or shop steward is an employee of an organization or company, who represents and defends the interests of her/his fellow employees but who is also a labor union official. Rank-and-file members of the union hold this position voluntarily (through democratic election by fellow workers or sometimes by appointment of a higher union body) while maintaining their role as an employee of the firm. As a result, the union steward becomes a significant link and conduit of information between the union leadership and rank-and-file workers.
The duties of a union steward vary according to each labor union's constitutional mandate for the position. In general, most union stewards perform the following functions:
- Monitor and enforce the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement (labor contract) to ensure both the firm and union worker are not violating the terms of the agreement.
- Ensure that the firm is in compliance with all federal, state and local laws and regulations.
- Represent and defend fellow workers whom the firm believes violated company policy or the terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement, often through the grievance process.
- Communicate and disseminate official union policy, memos and directives to workers in the shop.
- Popularize and promote union consciousness and values in the workplace.
Read more about Union Representative: Collective Bargaining Agreement Sample Steward Clause
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—Frances E. Willard 1839–1898, U.S. president of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union 1879-1891, author, activist. The Woman’s Magazine, pp. 137-40 (January 1887)