Arizona
Steward Corner
In addition to being union members, some of us choose to take a more active role, as stewards, in our workplaces. Union stewards step up to enforce our contract and to make sure our coworkers know their rights. We accompany fellow workers at disciplinary hearings and represent union issues as equals with management.
Good Stewards are the Backbone of an Effective Union
Good stewards are the backbone of an effective union. We reach out to new members and help educate them on their rights. We serve as a bridge between elected union leadership and workers on the job. We listen to our co-workers and provide a confidential way for members to bring forward their ideas and concerns.
But most importantly, it is a steward’s job to inspire, lead and build a sense of unity and solidarity among the wide range of workers in our union.
All union members have a right to have their steward present with them during meetings that they feel might be disciplinary. In 1975, in NLRB v. J. Weingarten, Inc, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the rights of employees to have union representation during investigatory interviews. Since that case involved a clerk being investigated by the Weingarten Company, these rights have become known as “Weingarten rights.”
Reminders and Important Forms
Investigating an issue at your workplace? When meeting with anyone it is always important to write it down. Refresh your memory on handling grievances and on the importance of the 5 W’s while making sure you have a fact collection sheet at hand. Finally, you might want to review the suggestions for interviewing the grievant. It wouldn't hurt to have meeting notes sheets available for all discussions.
Is it insubordination? Take a look at the dozen questions that should be answered in order to clarify the issue in your mind.
With the investigation complete, we need to decide if the issue constitutes a grievance. Take a look at what is a grievance and refresh your thoughts on the seven key steps for establishing ‘just cause’ along with the key points in preparing for discipline cases.
What do you do if the issue is not a grievance?
If the issue concludes to be a grievance, review the items in writing a grievance and then complete the grievance form or the AT&T grievance form after discussions with The Hall (480) 423-9769. Be certain to prepare witnesses for the grievance hearing and ready yourself for your grievance presentation.
Membership Forms
Dues Deduction Forms
COPE Check-Off
Important Documents