2.
A person elected by workers to represent them in dealings
with management.
Seen as a representative who is accredited by the trade union
& who acts on the behalf of its members in the enterprise
where he/she works.
The shop steward deserves special mention due to the unique
role he/she plays in union life.
3.
4.
Primary role of the Shop Steward is to ensure & maintain that
there is equilibrium in relations between management &
labour within the framework of existing rules, regulations &
customs.
Equilibrium: A state in which opposing forces or influences are
balanced.
Shop Stewards have to be objective when approaching ‘problem
situations’ in terms of management & their fellow workers.
They need to avoid making promises or agreeing to doing anything
that cannot be fulfilled.
5.
The Shop Steward is further involved in forming &
maintaining: Shop Steward committees, workplace forums
As a joint consultation basis between management & workers
for discussing common day-to-day problems.
E.g. parking, security aspects, canteen facilities, ventilation.
6. 1.
2.
As office-bearers of their trade union, they must carry out
their duty as a member of the branch committee team. They
are responsible for effective organisation of their branch &
must report to the branch committee on all problems that
may arise among members, or between management &
members.
The must enrol members for their trade union, & in the case
of closed shop agreements, they must ensure that workers
& management strictly adhere to this. (A shop in which persons
are required to join a particular union as a precondition to employment
and to remain union members for the duration of their employment or face
dismissal).
7. 3. Since they are au fait (Up-to-date) with regulations of their
trade union’s constitution, especially in matters regarding
membership & benefits, they are able to inform & assist
members when completing & submitting claims for appropriate
benefits.
4. Shop Stewards must encourage members to attend trade
union meetings on a regular basis & to actively participate in
discussions.
5. They keep their trade union informed in terms of needs of
their fellow workers & the general conditions in the trade as
these matters affect the workers’ position.
8. 6. In the work situation, they GUARD interests of their members
& see to it that:
o Both parties strictly observe all stipulations of the agreement.
o Activities comply with the particular safety regulations.
o First-aid cabinet is fully stocked.
o That all aspects are covered in case of injuries on duty/ trade
illness, & that the branch office is notified after it has been
established whether the injured party is at home/hospital with
the knowledge of management.
o Making sure workers check the notice board periodically to be
aware of new developments.
9. o
o
o
They must advise & assist members in matters concerning
Statutory & industrial council benefits. E.G. medical &
unemployment insurance claims.
They must assure themselves that the prescribed statutory
regulations are visibly displayed for the perusal of fellow
workers in a specified way.
It is of importance that they assist members during a
disciplinary hearing by management, or examination by
inspector of factories or mines, in the absence of the trade
union officer.
10.
o
o
o
7. The Liaison functions performed by the shop steward are:
To discuss valid complaints with management through the
correct channels & to obtain finality/closure on these matters.
To ensure that management uses at least one of the official
languages so that a member can understand & be
understood.
To discuss particular resolutions of management with
workers, & to test their feelings should these make trade
union action unnecessary at this stage.
