By Kavi Chahal, Communications Staff
You’ve taken a huge step. You’ve taken on the essential role of union steward at your worksite. You’ve become a critical part of the union, ensuring your coworkers have someone they can trust to have their back.
Let's be honest, it’s a challenging role. Some members are disconnected from AUPE, what it means to be a member, and the support that is available to them. As a steward, you can be the spark that ignites solidarity and engagement at your workplace!
Ready to get started?
It all starts with a conversation. The first, fundamental step in building your union is forming strong, supportive relationships with your coworkers.
Help people feel comfortable talking about the issues they’re facing. Time and effort builds trust, and trust helps you show your coworkers what being an AUPE member is all about. Let them know that you are always there to help them as a steward and trusted colleague.
Connecting regularly will help you identify engaged members quickly. Once you do, form a core group of coworkers who can help build solidarity at your workplace. Now it’s a team effort!
Identify issues you are all facing. Make a plan together, share responsibilities, and spread a common message to all your coworkers. Over time, your group will grow and grow until, hopefully, your whole worksite is engaged.
Bringing workers together in a visible show of solidarity helps them feel energized and excited to be part of their union. Planning events where members can gather, share questions and ideas, learn, and connect with their coworkers is an important part of building your union in your workplace.
Meet and Greets and Lunch and Learns are great ways to bring people together. Of course, you have support available – your AUPE vice-president and AUPE resource staff can help and are often happy to join you.
You’re ready!
You have a roadmap to build engagement and grow your union in the workplace. Take it one step at a time, one conversation at a time, and you will be successful. Small wins lead to big wins, and you’ll get there in no time!
This may sound daunting at first, but it’s important to know that you are not alone. As an AUPE steward, there is a lot of support to help you be successful in your role. You can turn to your chapter and local executive, fellow members who have also taken on an important role and are committed to supporting you and your coworkers.
The AUPE Vice-President assigned to your region is also an important resource. They are always willing to hear about the issues you're facing.
When in doubt, contact the AUPE Member Resource Centre at 1-800-232-7284, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, for support and to reach your Membership Services Officer.