Appointed

Grand vizier Steve Downs goes to a great length to claim that shop stewards are appointed. The idea behind it conveying a message of power of removal, granted if a steward commits a mortal sin he/she can be removed. However there is a mechanism that has to followed - can you guess what that process is? We will let you fill the blank on what a responsible organization does. However grand vizier Steve Downs may believe that there is no need for such process in removal of shop stewards.

Now lets define what a - Union Steward (aka Shop Steward) is, the title of an official position within the organizational hierarchy of a labor union. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that rank-and-file members of the union hold this position voluntarily (through democratic election by fellow workers or sometimes by appointment of a higher union body) while maintaining their role as an employee of the firm. As a result, the Union Steward becomes a significant link and conduit of information between the union leadership and rank-and-file workers. (Webster Dictionary)

Now lets look at what TWU Local 100 states in seeking a shop steward which one can conclude is the policy of the so called organization: ‘Make a Difference -If you want to get involved in your union, and make a real difference on the job for you and your co-workers -- then join the proud ranks of TWU Local 100 Shop Stewards.  Since the beginning of the year, more than 300 of your Brother and Sister Transit Workers have gone through shop steward training, provided by the Local 100 Education Department. When you become a TWU Shop Steward, you become one of the union’s front line soldiers.  You become the first line of defense against injustice on the job.  As a shop steward you will be expected to be a communicator, a problem solver, an educator, a health and safety watchdog, and a political activist.  You will be expected to speak up when you see something you know is wrong.  You will work closely with elected officers and staff to guarantee that the union and its members are treated with respect. Not everyone is cut out to be a union shop steward.  But if you think you are, if you think you can help your co-workers and your union in our ongoing battle with the MTA, we want you on our team. You’ll have to make a commitment of your own time to get started, by signing up for a six-week course, one day a week, for two and a half hours each class.’  The message that is conveyed here by TWU Local 100 clearly shows that there is nothing stated showing that local 100 has the power to appoint or even suggest the power to remove but rather that the member is empowered by using the phrase ‘signing up’ . Otherwise it would be deceptive advertising with no truth in that labeling.

‘Stewards are critical players in the success or failure of their unions. Unlike any other union leaders, they are in day-to-day contact with the membership...To most workers, their steward is the union.’ (Preface - The union steward’s complete guide) Here the language clearly expresses that stewards are union leaders. However grand vizier may claim that this book is rubbish and does not apply to TWU Local 100. Now the question is are union leaders entitled to a due process in their removal? You can answer that- if you believe you are entitled to due process then would you like to be thrown under the bus like John Landers without a due process?