Stewards serve each department and work site

What is a union "shop" steward?
Stewards are the vital communication link between the GEO staff, the elected leadership, and the cademic departments, research labs, and other worksites where GEO/UAW members are employed. We represent the union in our departments, and relay information and answer questions about GEO and our contract to our colleagues and co-workers. Stewards also help GEO find out about problems in different departments and make sure that members receive the benefits of our union contract. Stewards also form a decision-making body -- the Assembly of Stewards -- that plays a vital role in the overall direction of the union.

How do I become a GEO steward for my department?
Stewards are elected by their departments, generally for one year. Some departments have held regular steward elections for many years, while other departments may have never had this representation. GEO organizers are working to get stewards nominated in many departments, with a goal of one day having a steward in every department and worksite, 80 of them across campus, representing 2,400 people. If you are interested in being a steward for your department, please contact GEO by phone (545-0705) or e-mail Jeremy Wolf at vp@geouaw.org.

What kinds of things would I do as a steward?
As a steward, you would be expected to attend the monthly meeting of the Steward's Assembly, relay information to and from your department or worksite, help post flyers for GEO events, help mobilize members in your area of campus for GEO campaigns and actions, and help out with the grievance process for members in your worksite. Stewards are offered trainings in both organizing and grievances.

In all, stewards have been the backbone of our union -- without them, all of the work of GEO would be done by a handful of paid staff. Stewards have consistently been pivotal in mobilizing our members for successful campaigns, and will continue to be so in the future.

Please check our calendar to find out when and where Steward's Meetings are held.

The list of stewards for 2006-07 will be up shortly. Watch this page.

Read the 2005-06 GEO Steward's Manual