Shop steward

Shop steward is a term for a person who represents employees in the workplace. That person is the crew spokesman, employees give him information about negative situations occurring at work or manifestations of violence in the company. Besides that, shop steward ensures the improvement of employees' working conditions, affects the correction of the remuneration system and searching for ways to constructively resolve conflicts between employees. They make decisions in their own right and make involvement easier. This is very important role for the company (J. Barling, C. Fullagar, K.K. Kelloway 1992). Shop steward helps the employer to effectively counteract mobbing and discrimination. This role has an Anglo-Saxon origin. The role of shop steward was special needed during the antiwar protests in World War I (R. Hoffrogge 2014). The main function which shop stewards execute is complaint handling. Besides that, shop stewards do other duties (G.W. Miller, N.Rosen 1957):

• Complaints handling functions - he is responsible for discovering, investigating, forestalling and processing complaints of members against management;
• Communication functions - responsible for communicating members' attitudes and points of view;
• Union-building functions - responsibility as a leadership of the shop steward, i.n., his liabilities for expanding participation, sense of loyalty, and pro union sentiment among the members
• Citizenship functions - the responsibility of the shop steward for improving in people an interest and readiness to participate in political issues and social affairs.

How to became a shop steward

Shop steward is more of a social and interpersonal role rather than a professional function. The role of shop steward is not always the same. He can be ordinary exponent of a larger unions or in the direction individual structures on the workplace. Members in the organisation and they support have enormous influence on the power of shop steward (P. Bulter, O. Tregaskis 2015). It is employer's responsibility to organize elections for the shop steward. Shop steward may have his deputies, but it is important that candidates must follow the conditions. A person must be employed in the company, that person has never been the subject of any allegation of discrimination, violence or mobbing and it should be a person who has respect and trust of the others. That person has to have specific interpersonal skills, like be self-motivated, assertive, commitment (G. Strauss 1977). All notifications to the shop steward should be made in writing with a hand signature. This person should be chosen in every workplace with more than five employees, but if the number of employees is more than 50, it may be chosen two shop stewards. The shop steward is elected for a two-year term. Every information given to him is confidential. Employers cannot fire from the job shop stewards, If the employer is forced to reduce the number of employees, shop stewards retains the greatest right to keep his job. If shop steward notices any abnormalities or conflict in the organisation, he try to resolve it by meeting where he is an impartial moderator.

Examples of Shop steward

• In the United Kingdom, a shop steward is an appointed representative of a trade union, who represents the interests of workers in the workplace. They are responsible for resolving disputes, providing advice to members, and negotiating with employers.
• In the United States, a shop steward is a representative of the union in the workplace who is responsible for the enforcement of the collective bargaining agreement and the resolution of grievances. They may also be responsible for organizing and representing workers in collective bargaining negotiations.
• In Canada, shop stewards are appointed by their unions to represent workers in the workplace. They are responsible for ensuring that the collective agreement is being followed and for resolving any grievances that may arise.
• In Australia, a shop steward is an employee who is appointed by their union to represent the interests of workers in the workplace. They are responsible for ensuring the collective agreement is being followed and for resolving any disputes that may arise.

Conclusion

In conclusion, shop stewards are important representatives of employees in the workplace, who are responsible for ensuring that workers’ rights are respected and for resolving disagreements between workers and employers. They often act as a bridge between the employer and the employees, and help ensure that the workplace is safe, fair, and equitable. Shop stewards are vital to maintaining a harmonious and productive workplace, and are a key part of any successful business.

Advantages of Shop steward

One of the main advantages of having a shop steward in the workplace is that it allows employees to voice their concerns and grievances in an effective and organized manner.

• Firstly, having a shop steward allows employees to have a designated representative who speaks for them and is there to help them with any issues they may have in the workplace. This can help employees feel heard and supported in their job.
• Secondly, a shop steward can help to ensure that all employees are treated fairly and that any unfair practices are dealt with appropriately.
• Thirdly, a shop steward can act as a mediator between employees and management, which can help both sides to come to a compromise in any disputes that may arise.
• Fourthly, a shop steward can help to ensure that any changes in company policy are communicated to employees in a clear and effective manner.
• Finally, a shop steward can help to ensure that employees are provided with the necessary resources and support they need to be successful in their job.

Limitations of Shop steward

Shop stewards have a number of limitations that can impede their effectiveness in the workplace. These include:

• Lack of resources - Shop stewards often lack the resources needed to effectively represent the employees they are assigned to. This can include a lack of sufficient training, access to legal advice, or the ability to negotiate with management.
• Limited autonomy - Shop stewards are often limited in their ability to make decisions or take actions on behalf of their employees. This is due to the fact that shop stewards are appointed by management and are subject to the policies and procedures set by the employer.
• Political influence - Shop stewards are often subject to the political pressures of their employers, which can limit their ability to effectively advocate for their employees.
• Limited influence - Shop stewards can have difficulty influencing their employers, as they are not directly elected by the workers and do not have a clear mandate from the employees they represent.
• Lack of recognition - Shop stewards are often not fully recognized or appreciated by their employer, which can lead to a lack of motivation and commitment.

Other approaches related to Shop steward

One of the other approaches related to the role of shop steward include:

• Labour Unions: Shop stewards are often members of labour unions, and play a major role in their organization. They are responsible for communicating the demands of the union to the employer, and for representing the workers in collective bargaining and negotiations.
• Employee Representation: Shop stewards are involved in representing the employees in workplace disputes, such as problems with wages, hours and working conditions. They are also responsible for ensuring that employer policies are being followed and that employees are not being taken advantage of.
• Employee Advocacy: Shop stewards are responsible for advocating on behalf of employees and ensuring that their rights and interests are protected. They may work with other groups, such as the local Chamber of Commerce, to help ensure that the interests of employees are taken into account when policies are being made.
• Conflict Resolution: Shop stewards are also responsible for resolving conflicts between employees, employers, and other stakeholders. They may mediate disputes, provide advice, and help to bring opposing parties to a resolution.

In summary, the role of shop steward is an important one, as they are responsible for representing the interests of employees, advocating on their behalf, and resolving conflicts. They are often members of labour unions and are involved in collective bargaining and negotiations with employers. They are responsible for ensuring that the rights and interests of employees are protected, and that conflicts are resolved in a constructive way.

Shop steward — recommended articles

Works committee — Business etiquette — Authoritarian leadership — Mary Parker Follett — Statutory obligation — Professional values — Works council — Adaptation process — Disciplinary procedure

References

• Barling J., Fullagar C., Kelloway K.K. (1992), The Union and Its Members: A Psychological Approach Oxford University Press, New York
• Bulter P., Tregaskis O. (2015), Workplace partnership and legitimacy: A multi-layered analysis of the shop steward experience Work Employment & Society 29(6)
• Hoffrogge R. (2014), Working-Class Politics in the German Revolution. Richard Müller, the Revolutionary Shop Stewards and the Origins of the Council Movement Haymarket Books, Chicago
• Miller G.W., Rosen N. (1957), Members' Attitudes toward the Shop Steward Industrial and Labor Relations Review 10(4)
• Strauss G. (1977), Union Government in the U.S.: Research Past and Future Industrial Relations, vol. 16, no.2

Author: Aleksandra Marcinkowska, Paulina Jurusik, Justyna Niemiec