Page 10 - UFCW Union Steward Handbook

THE UFCW AND THE ROLE OF THE UNION

l Informing co-workers about our union’s political and community
work and how to be more involved.
l Contributing to and asking co-workers to join our union’s Active
Ballot Club (ABC).
l Attending rallies, marches and other events organized by our union
and our coalition partners.

l Registering members to vote and helping with get-out-the-vote efforts.
Organizing (internal and external)
We need the strength that comes from all of us standing together.
When all or most of the workers in an industry are members of our
union, we can raise the standards for all workers. If our union only
represents a small portion of an industry, it is easier for employers to
demand concessions. The process of bringing new worksites into our
union is called “external organizing” or “new organizing.”
Since having more union workers in our industries makes us all
stronger, it is important that stewards help our union grow by:
l Taking more responsibility at the workplace to represent members so
union staff have more time to organize. We can develop our skills and
learn how to handle workplace problems.
l Demonstrating our support during contract negotiations for agreements
that extend union representation to unorganized workers in other
locations.

l Volunteering to help our local union with organizing campaigns. This
may include talking to unorganized workers about why our union
matters. People usually want to hear from workers like themselves
doing similar work.
l Supporting our local union’s efforts to devote time and resources to
organizing.

Winning respect, dignity, good pay, benefits and rights on the job,
requires power. The process of building our collective power is called
“internal organizing.” This includes:
l Standing up and lending our voice when management treats workers
unfairly and without dignity and respect.

8 UFCW UNION STEWARD HANDBOOK