Local 1059 Shop Stewards are active members who have accepted the important responsibility of representing our brothers and sisters on the job.

The local expects a great deal from our stewards and have great faith in their ability to represent this Union to the best of their ability. They have already distinguished themselves as rank-and-file members loyal to our Union, with a strong commitment to fairness in the workplace.

A Steward acts as a two-way expediter of information from the Union to the members, and vice versa. Members rely on Stewards for accurate, timely information about what's going on in their Union, and every Union needs stewards to report on the views of its members.

The strength of this Union lies in its members and can be measured by their participation in its affairs and by their awareness of the Union's role in their lives. Membership participation and awareness just doesn't grow - it must be cultivated. Workers need to be informed and shown the importance of vigilant enforcement of their Union contract and their rights on the job. Satisfaction in helping others is the only reward. But for the members who serve as stewards, there is no higher reward.

Stewards' Legal Rights

Often, prospective Stewards express a concern about possible retaliation by management. The fact is, Federal law guarantees Union members the right to participate in their Union's affairs. The National Labor Relations Act makes it illegal for an employer to discriminate against or harass Stewards or other Union supporters. Furthermore, stewards can always count on the full support of the Local 1059 staff to protect your legal and contractual rights.

A Steward's Duties

• Inform members about Union policies, activities and events.
• Post and distribute official Union notices.
• Attend Union membership meetings and encourage co-workers to do the same.
• Welcome new members.
• Answer questions about the Union and the Union contract when able.
• Attend Shop Steward conferences and meetings.
• Encourage voter registration and political action.
• Poll members periodically on subjects directed by the Union.
• Act as a witness for members who are involved in disciplinary interviews (Weingarten Rights).
• Report contract violations to the UFCW Union Representative.
• Monitor safety and health conditions.