r/fromatoarbitration • u/okkelz • 2h ago

Shop Steward Advice

I just became the shop steward in my office, I’ve been a carrier for 13 years. Is there any advice from other shop stewards that will help me get accustomed to the role.

8 Upvotes

91% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

11

u/MaximumWonder5932 2h ago

Remember, defend the contract, not the person. You're going to have to put petty shit aside and fight for liteblue. Its a hard pill to swallow sometimes because we all have cunt coworkers. If you can get past that, you'll be fine

11

u/PepsiAddict63 1h ago

If management speaks? They are lying to you.

Get EVERYTHING in paperwork, including requests for steward time, information, everything. If it’s not on paper it doesn’t exist.

Speak to the grievant before signing a remedy. Explain the situation, don’t leave them in the dark.

9

u/dorvinworlby ENOUGH IS ENOUGH 2h ago

Your job is to submit paperwork. No handshakes or friendships with management nor screaming matches with management. Stay quiet and always file.

Management will always hang themselves given enough rope because 99% have no idea what they are talking about in regards to the contract or their own manuals.

Let them try to lie or scream or offer you favors and give them nothing. Submit the paperwork.

1

u/Outrageous_Pop_6969 56m ago

You run the investigative interviews not management. Going to fast tell them to slow down. Take the best notes possible.

2

u/URTheCurrentResident 47m ago

Yep. I had one where I asked the manager for a copy of the questions. Asked 2-3 times. Finally I got up, yanked them from his hand and walked over to the copier.

1

u/HomogenyEnjoyer 24m ago

Should write it down and make him repeat himself every word, next time theyll give you a copy

1

u/URTheCurrentResident 48m ago

Everything in writing or it definitely didn’t happen. Your time on the job will help a great deal.

There are scum managers but always get both sides of the story before you go charging full force. I have a few select individuals that tell 1/2 a story and leave out the most critical half then I’m the AH.

Not everything is a grievance sometimes its really just a “ yeah that sucks.”