Departments and Stewards

From GEO

Academic Departments

there are lots of 'em. why don't you add yours and give some useful information about it.

Union Stewards

Who is the steward for my department? Department Stewards 2009-2010

What is a union "shop" steward?

Stewards are the vital communication link between the GEO staff, the elected leadership, and the academic departments, research labs, and other worksites where GEO members are employed. Stewards represent the union in our departments, and relay information and answer questions about GEO and our contract to colleagues and co-workers. Stewards also alert GEO regarding 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 is the second most powerful body in the union.

My department doesn't have a steward listed. Should my department have a steward?

Yes, every department should have at least one steward. Per the bylaws, one steward is permitted for every 25 members in the department. Stewards are elected by their departments, generally for one year. Some departments have held regular steward elections for many years, while other departments have no formal selection process. Per the GEO bylaws, departments are permitted to have one steward for every 25 members. GEO organizers are working to get stewards selected in many departments, with a goal of having at least one steward in every department and worksite. If you are interested in being a steward for your department or would like assistance in setting up an election in your department, please contact the GEO Organizer at membership@geouaw.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

What exactly does a steward do?

• Advocate for your coworkers through attendance at monthly membership and stewards assembly meetings.
• Urge members of your department to participate in union activities and actions. Put up fliers in your department; make personal appeals to your coworkers through phone banking, emails, and one-on-one conversations.
• Encourage members of your department to seek out help from GEO if they feel that their rights are being violated at work.
• Recruit another steward from your department to share this responsibility with you! Each department is eligible to have one steward per 25 members. More stewards from each department means less work for all of you.
• Establish a system in your department for electing and re-electing stewards each fall.