Legal Definitions - shop steward

A shop steward is an employee who is elected or appointed by their co-workers to represent them and their interests within a labor union at their specific workplace. They act as a primary point of contact between union members, union leadership, and company management, often playing a crucial role in enforcing the terms of the collective bargaining agreement (the contract between the union and the employer).

• Example 1: Manufacturing Plant Grievance

  In a large automotive factory, a production line worker believes they were unfairly passed over for a promotion, despite having more seniority and qualifications than the chosen candidate, which they believe violates the union contract. The worker approaches their shop steward, who then helps them formally file a grievance, reviews the relevant sections of the collective bargaining agreement, and represents the worker in a meeting with management to discuss and resolve the dispute.

• Example 2: Retail Store Disciplinary Meeting

  A cashier at a grocery store, which is a unionized workplace, is called into a meeting with their manager regarding an alleged policy violation that could lead to disciplinary action. Knowing their rights, the cashier requests that their shop steward be present during the meeting. The steward attends to ensure that proper procedures are followed, that the employee's rights under the union contract are protected, and to offer support and advice.

• Example 3: Hospital Staffing Concerns

  Nurses at a hospital are concerned about new staffing schedules that they believe lead to unsafe patient-to-nurse ratios, potentially violating clauses in their union contract related to workload and safety. The nurses collectively voice their concerns to their shop steward. The steward then compiles their feedback, communicates these issues to both the local union leadership and the hospital administration, and helps initiate discussions to find a resolution that adheres to the collective bargaining agreement and ensures a safe working environment for both staff and patients.