Becoming A Steward

Stewards are the heart of OCSEA, connecting with members and building union power. In fact, a study commissioned in 1992, found that workplaces that had effective stewards were better able to involve members and participation levels were highter.

ROLES - The steward wears many hats: communicator, organizer, negotiator, peacemaker and trouble maker. The contract adminstration role of the steward is to act in concert with and under the guidance of the chief steward and/or local president.  A steward must be willing to properly and timely investigate and file grievances and communicate the status of each to the chief steward and/or president.

SELECTION - Stewards shall be appointed by the Chapter president. The Chapter president shall respond to requests for appointment, in writing, within fifteen (15) calendar days.  A member may petition the Chapter executive board, in writing, within fifteen (15) calendar days, if not appointed. The executive board shall respond, in writing, to a petition from a member within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt.  There will be no further appeal rights to any other level of OCSEA or AFSCME.

SPECIALIZATION  - It is recommended that stewards specialize when possible. Stewards can be specialized by topic, i.e., overtime or discipline, by work area or by shift.

TERM LENGTH - The term of office for stewards shall run concurrently with the term of office of the appointing Chapter president. Stewards must be appointed or reappointed by each Chapter president at the beginning of his/her term. Stewards should not represent a grievant until he/she qualifies as a certified steward through the OCSEA Education Department.

Stewards serving in a management/exempt positions on a temporary basis shall not represent employees for the length of time the steward is out of the bargaining unit.  Stewards shall not use information gained by virtue of their stewardship to the detriment of other bargaining unit members.