A job analysis of trade union and civil service union shop stewards

Abstract

Union literature on the activities of union stewards is sparse beyond the subject of the handling of grievances. The present study is a comprehensive examination of the role of the union steward. It examines the various duties, responsibilities, skills and qualities associated with the role the steward. In addition, it examines the views across the various segments of the union hierarchy; rank and file members, union stewards, and the Executive Members and Employee Relations Officers at the Union Head Office. Data from the subject matter experts was collected using Flanagan's (1954) critical incidents technique, questionnaires, focus group discussions, and interviews. Results supported previous findings that stewards' primary duties are listening to and addressing rank and file members concerns in the workplace, which are often precursors to the grievance procedure being activated. A job description of the union steward position is presented, developed from the data collected and from information contained in the NSGEU's steward's handbook. A consistent view on all related topics associated with the role of union steward was maintained across all groups of subject matter experts. Differences in the level of militancy expressed by Trade Union Act stewards and Civil Service stewards was not supported.