Shop Steward Information
Steward is the Heart of the Union
What is a Shop Steward?
Every time a member goes to work, the strength of the union stands behind him or her. You as a steward are the muscle that
protects the workers and the union contract. I’ve learned the most effective kind of trade unionism is found in the work a steward
does on the job. This is especially true in a grass-roots union like the ILWU.
ILWU Steward basic responsibilities are:
Protect the rights of the members on the job.
Talk unionism.
Keep brothers and sisters informed.
Legal Definition
A shop steward is a union member ordinarily elected to represent workers in a particular shop or department. The shop steward announces meetings,
and receives, investigates and attempts the adjustment of grievances.
The steward is the union's eyes and ears on the job site, reporting any changes in the workplace. Most important, the steward is a communicator, keeping fellow workers informed of their rights and responsibilities as union members.
A shop steward is a union representative, elected by his or her fellow workers. Shop stewards are unpaid and
usually conduct union business in their own time. They recruit for the union, inspect dues books, and report grievances to the Business agent or Labor
relations committee. They represent their members’ interests.
