Empowered and well-trained shop stewards are the backbone of successful local unions. The OPEIU Leadership/Shop Steward Guide provides training materials and resources for local union shop stewards, staff and emerging leaders. Most of the content can be customized and adapted to fit the unique training needs of each local union. The OPEIU Leadership/Shop Steward Guide continues to develop, so be sure to check back often as more content is added. Visit other links on the OPEIU website for information on member benefits, new member orientations, one-on-one conversations and other useful resources.
- Tips for Shop Stewards
What a union leader needs to do (i.e. greet new members, represent all members fairly, look for ways to agitate, organize…and other examples). What a union leader needs to know (i.e. contract, polices, co-workers, labor law and more).
- Know Your Weingarten Rights
Spread the word to co-workers about their rights to have union representation when possibly facing discipline. This flier can be distributed in the way that’s best for your workplace.
- The Shop Steward’s Role in the Weingarten Meeting
Weingarten rights and tips on how to effectively represent members. Watch the video (below) to get an idea of what to expect. This section also includes Supervisors and Stewards as Equals and our Duty of Fair Representation.
- Just Cause Standards
Questions to ask when evaluating whether a situation meets just cause standards, an important provision in most union contracts.
- Strategic Grievance Handling
Types of grievances; the importance of timelines; investigating a potential grievance; interviewing tips; recording the grievance; presenting the grievance; reaching agreement.
- Strategic Grievance Handling Checklist
Steps to follow to ensure the most effective way to handle workplace situations.
- Request Information to Represent Members and Stand Up for Our Rights
A checklist for getting the facts to help prepare for a grievance or to resolve workplace issues.
- Union Strong Checklist
A checklist to help prepare your workplace for tackling concerns important to co-workers, increasing union visibility and encouraging unity.
- Beating Apathy
What holds us back? It may feel like apathy, but under the surface there may be something else going on. Some tips to rethink how to activate your co-workers.
- Additional Resources for Workplace Activists
Know Your Weingarten Rights