ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF UNION OFFICIALS Union Training – Reno, Nevada October 7, 2003 Bill Dougan President, Forest Service Council

Objectives of Presentation Briefly discuss Roles and Responsibilities of “Required” Elected Union Positions In Local Lodges Primary Focus On Union Steward

Required Elected Union Officials In a Local Lodge (as set forth in IAMAW Constitution) President Vice President Recording Secretary Secretary-Treasurer Conductor-Sentinel Board of Trustees

Role and Responsibility of President Preside at Local Lodge meetings Decide all questions or disputes not controlled by laws of IAM and/or NFFE Appoint committees not otherwise provided for Appoint educator and communicator Enforce the laws of IAM and NFFE applicable to the Local Lodge and members Countersign checks drawn by Sec.- Treasurer

Role and Responsibility of Vice President Assist President in maintaining order Preside at all meetings in absence of President Countersign checks in absence of President subject to approval of Local Lodge In case of death, removal, or resignation of President, shall become President until after the next regular election

Role and Responsibility of Recording Secretary Conduct correspondence in name of Local Lodge Present communications and bills to Local Lodge Deliver bills for the files of Sec.- Treasurer Prepare credentials for conventions Keep minutes of Local Lodge meetings

Role and Responsibility of Secretary-Treasurer Receive and deposit funds of Local Lodge Pay bills by check with countersignature by President Collect dues/fines as appropriate Keep an account of all disbursements and complete required paperwork/records Submit financial books to auditing committee semiannually

Role and Responsibility of Conductor-Sentinel Determine whether those in attendance at Local Lodge meetings are entitled to be there

Role and Responsibility of Board of Trustees (3 members) Responsible for all Local Lodge property Ensure financial books are properly kept and assist auditing committee with audits

Union Stewards How Do I Become A Steward? Stewards may be elected or appointed, in accordance with Local Lodge bylaws

Union Stewards – Major Roles and Responsibilities Communication Membership Representation ALL THREE OF THESE RESPONSIBILITIES ARE OF EQUAL IMPORTANCE

Roles and Responsibilities - Communication Keep members fully informed on internal union matters Keep members fully informed on proposed changes to working conditions/conditions of employment Keep members informed of legislative and political issues Detect and stop rumors Urge attendance and participation at Union meetings

Roles and Responsibilities - Membership Greet new employees and ask them to join – participate in new employee orientations Ask current non-members to join Help organize and take part in formal recruitment drives

Roles and Responsibilities – Representation (resolving problems) Investigate complaints relating to conditions of work, personal problems, internal union problems Process grievances, ULPs, other appeals “Police” our collective bargaining agreement (the Master Agreement) for compliance

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Needed by Union Stewards (This job isn’t for everyone!) First and foremost – INTEREST AND COMMITMENT! Become familiar with Master Agreement (read it, ask questions, go to training) Comfortable talking with employees and management Active listening Ability to work collaboratively

Union Steward “Do’s and Don’ts” DO: Be the eyes and ears of the Local in the workplace Do what you say you will do – follow through on commitments and meet deadlines Ask for help when you are in over your head Be honest and act with integrity

Union Steward “Do’s and Don’ts” DO: Seek out training to learn and refresh skills Remember: you ARE the Union for most employees and managers

Union Steward “Do’s and Don’ts” DON’T: Use your position to gain prestige, power or grind personal axes Be disrespectful – treat all persons with respect and dignity they deserve Fail to represent all BUEs fairly (duty of fair representation)

Reference Documents For Union Stewards and Union Officials NFFE Steward’s Manual (available through NFFE National Office) Pocket Guide For Stewards – IAMAW NFFE Bylaws, FSC Bylaws, Local Bylaws IAMAW Constitution “Other” books and reference material