Shop Stewards are here to help you with your employment problems

You don’t need to navigate working life at the University alone. Our team of shop stewards – or union representatives – are here to help, whenever you need it.

Shop stewards are union members who have had training to be able to offer guidance and support to members facing problematic situations at work. 

Shop stewards also work together to regularly negotiate on behalf of members with representatives from the University HR. For example, shop stewards recently negotiated with HR the new teaching hours agreement.

What can I speak to a shop steward about?

You can contact a shop steward about anything troubling you at work. It could be a question concerning your contract, such as your salary, holidays, or parental leave. You might be having a problem with your supervisor, relating to your working hours or promotion. Or you might be experiencing harassment at work. The shop steward will listen to your concerns and can guide you on what to do next.

Conversations with your shop steward are entirely confidential. 

If a conflict arises between an employee and an employer, the employee can choose to contact a shop steward immediately. Shop stewards can sit with you during your meetings with your supervisor to help you handle the conflict and take notes. The shop steward has the right to access all the information associated with the case and should strive to work with the employee and employer to achieve a quick, appropriate and fair solution.