How to become a Shop Steward

Eligibility

Anyone is eligible to become a Shop Steward as long as they are a CSU 52 member. It does not matter what level they work at. They can work part-time or full-time. The staff member must have passed the probation period. It does not matter how little experience one may have, it is a position where you learn on the job.  

Shop Steward or Mailout Representative in the Same Location

There can only be either a Shop Steward or a Mailout Representative in one work location. A Shop Steward has priority over a Mailout Representative.

Alternative Shop Steward or Mailout Representative

Current Shop Stewards and Mailout Representatives should always ask for an alternate contact person to distribute Union information if they are on vacation or away from their work area for longer than a few days. The alternate does not have to assume the full roles of the Shop Steward.

Term in Office

Shop Stewards are elected for a two-year term.

Election Procedures

Shop Stewards are elected in November of odd years, which means the next election will be in 2009. A nomination sheet is sent out in October to the current Shop Steward or Mailout Representative and has to be posted. If there is more than one nominee, there has to be an election. The position starts on December 1st.

Positions Left Vacant

If a Shop Steward or Mailout Representative resigns from the department/work location or transfers to another department, or resigns from their union position, then anyone who is interested can apply for that position. If there are a few CSU 52 members interested there will be a vote or a staff member can temporarily take over the position until the next official election. There should always be a Shop Steward or Mailout Representative in every area of the bargaining unit.

Honorariums for Shop Stewards

The amount a Shop Steward will receive is based on how many meetings they attend.

A Shop Steward is paid an honorarium of $24.00 per month. An additional $35.00 honorarium is paid for each Shop Steward meeting they attend, however, if a Shop Steward should attend 6 out of 10 General Membership meetings, they will receive $50.00 instead of $35.00 for each Shop Steward Meeting they attend.

For Mailout Representatives, an honorarium of $10.00 per month is paid at the end of each year.