ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF UNION OFFICIALS

Union Training – Reno, NevadaOctober 7, 2003

Bill DouganPresident, Forest Service Council

Objectives of Presentation

Briefly discuss Roles and Responsibilities of “Required” Elected Union Positions In Local LodgesPrimary Focus On Union Steward

Required Elected Union Officials In a Local Lodge (as set forth in IAMAW Constitution)

PresidentVice PresidentRecording SecretarySecretary-TreasurerConductor-SentinelBoard of Trustees

Role and Responsibility of President

Preside at Local Lodge meetingsDecide all questions or disputes not controlled by laws of IAM and/or NFFEAppoint committees not otherwise provided forAppoint educator and communicatorEnforce the laws of IAM and NFFE applicable to the Local Lodge and membersCountersign checks drawn by Sec.-Treasurer

Role and Responsibility of Vice President

Assist President in maintaining orderPreside at all meetings in absence of PresidentCountersign checks in absence of President subject to approval of Local LodgeIn case of death, removal, or resignation of President, shall become President until after the next regular election

Role and Responsibility of Recording Secretary

Conduct correspondence in name of Local LodgePresent communications and bills to Local LodgeDeliver bills for the files of Sec.-TreasurerPrepare credentials for conventionsKeep minutes of Local Lodge meetings

Role and Responsibility of Secretary-Treasurer

Receive and deposit funds of Local LodgePay bills by check with countersignature by PresidentCollect dues/fines as appropriateKeep an account of all disbursements and complete required paperwork/recordsSubmit financial books to auditing committee semiannually

Role and Responsibility of Conductor-Sentinel

Determine whether those in attendance at Local Lodge meetings are entitled to be there

Role and Responsibility of Board of Trustees (3 members)

Responsible for all Local Lodge propertyEnsure financial books are properly kept and assist auditing committee with audits

Union Stewards How Do I Become A Steward?

Stewards may be elected or appointed, in accordance with Local Lodge bylaws

Union Stewards – Major Roles and Responsibilities

CommunicationMembershipRepresentation

ALL THREE OF THESE RESPONSIBILITIES ARE OF EQUAL IMPORTANCE

Roles and Responsibilities - Communication

Keep members fully informed on internal union matters Keep members fully informed on proposed changes to working conditions/conditions of employmentKeep members informed of legislative and political issuesDetect and stop rumorsUrge attendance and participation at Union meetings

Roles and Responsibilities - Membership

Greet new employees and ask them to join – participate in new employee orientationsAsk current non-members to joinHelp organize and take part in formal recruitment drives

Roles and Responsibilities – Representation (resolving problems)

Investigate complaints relating to conditions of work, personal problems, internal union problemsProcess grievances, ULPs, other appeals“Police” our collective bargaining agreement (the Master Agreement) for compliance

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Needed by Union Stewards(This job isn’t for everyone!)

First and foremost – INTEREST AND COMMITMENT!Become familiar with Master Agreement (read it, ask questions, go to training)Comfortable talking with employees and managementActive listening Ability to work collaboratively

Union Steward “Do’s and Don’ts”

DO:Be the eyes and ears of the Local in the workplaceDo what you say you will do – follow through on commitments and meet deadlinesAsk for help when you are in over your headBe honest and act with integrity

Union Steward “Do’s and Don’ts”

DO:Seek out training to learn and refresh skillsRemember: you ARE the Union for most employees and managers

Union Steward “Do’s and Don’ts”

DON’T:Use your position to gain prestige,

power or grind personal axesBe disrespectful – treat all persons

with respect and dignity they deserve

Fail to represent all BUEs fairly (duty of fair representation)

Reference Documents For Union Stewards and Union Officials

NFFE Steward’s Manual (available through NFFE National Office) Pocket Guide For Stewards – IAMAWNFFE Bylaws, FSC Bylaws, Local BylawsIAMAW Constitution“Other” books and reference material