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Steward Resources

Thank you for volunteering your time as a steward! Stewards are the most basic and vital points within the communication network of our organization. Stewards build the union through communication, representation, and organizing.

This mini guide covers: 1) Some basic rights of workers that are protected by our contract and 2) the ways stewards can create community and organize

WHAT ARE SOME RIGHTS OF WORKERS PROTECTED BY THE CONTRACT?

  1. Paid time off: All workers have vacation time, personal time off for emergencies, bereavement leave, time off for visa and immigration processes, and FMLA. No one can deny you such leave. If you work during your leave time you can be reimbursed for your labor.  
  2. Protection against overwork: No worker can be asked to work over their contractual obligations. If you overwork you can approach the union and be paid for your labor.  
  3. Weingarten Rights: All workers have the right to union representation in meetings where they feel that they may be disciplined in any way. Union representatives include stewards. One standard invocation of Weingarten Rights is: “If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or discharged, request that my Union representative be present at the meeting. Without representation, I choose not to answer any questions.” 
  4. Discrimination and a healthy/safe work environment: All workers are entitled to a safe, healthy, and dignified work environment. No member in your department should face discrimination, work in unhealthy offices or classrooms, or feel unsafe in any way. 

Remember, these are not your ONLY rights. If you or another member in your department feels harmed make sure they feel welcome to come talk to you. Come talk to us about any issue a member is facing. As stewards, you can file step one of a grievance and can do student intakes to record their issues. Make yourself available to members so that they can approach you whenever they want. And feel empowered to approach the steward co-chairs and leadership whenever you need. 

USEFUL TIPS AND TRICKS

  1. Be active on GEO Bulletin Boards – According to Article 10 of our contract, GEO is afforded space for official union business on bulletin boards in each department. On this board, you should flier events that GEO hosts, such as general membership meetings and other social events
  2. Create an autonomous listserv without faculty – Whether this be through Discord, Google, Slack, WhatsApp group chats, or other forums, you should have a way to communicate with other members of your department without the fear of faculty seeing your conversations. 
  3. Communicate & be accessible to members – Spread the word on GEO-related events via informal conversations, departmental meetings, graduate student organizations within the department, etc. Be available to people in your department by letting them know when and where you are available! 
  4. Forward your concerns to GEO Staff – We want to hear and learn more about the specific issues you and your department face.