The document discusses the role and responsibilities of a shop steward. A shop steward represents workers and acts on their behalf in dealings with management. The primary role of a shop steward is to maintain equilibrium in the relationship between workers and management by being objective and avoiding promises they cannot keep. Shop stewards also form shop steward committees and participate in workplace forums to discuss issues like facilities. Additionally, they must carry out their union duties, enroll new members, assist members with benefits and claims, encourage participation in meetings, and guard the interests of workers.

1. Chapter 2
Laken Marais
2013

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.