What is the role of a union steward?

The role of a union steward is primarily to assist members with workplace issues. Union stewards serve as the first line of support for union members, helping to address grievances, ensuring that workplace rules and agreements are followed, and acting as a liaison between the members and the union leadership. They play a critical role in advocating for workers' rights and ensuring that members feel supported in their employment environment.

While other roles mentioned, such as negotiating contracts or managing union elections, are essential to the functioning of a union, they typically fall to different positions within the union structure. For example, contract negotiations are generally handled by the elected bargaining committee or union officers, rather than stewards. Similarly, oversight of financial operations is typically the responsibility of the union treasurer or financial officer, and local union elections are conducted by designated election committees. This division of responsibilities allows stewards to focus on the immediate concerns and needs of individual members in their workplaces.