Definition

Noun: A shop steward is a union member who is elected by fellow workers to represent their interests and negotiate with management on their behalf. This person acts as a liaison between the union membership and the company's management, handling grievances, contract issues, and workplace concerns.

Usage

A shop steward is a specific elected role within a labor union at a workplace. * The shop steward presented the workers' safety concerns to the plant manager. * If you have a problem with your schedule, you should speak to the shop steward. * The shop steward is responsible for ensuring the collective bargaining agreement is followed.

Advanced Usage

• "to be elected shop steward": To be chosen by coworkers to serve in this representative role.
  • After years of advocacy, Maria was elected shop steward for her department.
• "to serve as shop steward": To perform the duties of this position.
  • He served as shop steward for three terms before retiring.

Variants and Related Words

• Union representative: A more general term for any person who represents a union's members.
• Union delegate: A similar representative, sometimes used in specific union structures or for conventions.
• Floor representative: A less common variant with a similar meaning, emphasizing representation on the work "floor" or site.

Synonyms

• Union representative
• Workers' representative
• Union delegate

Related Phrases

• Grievance procedure: The formal process a shop steward often helps an employee navigate when filing a complaint.
• Collective bargaining: The negotiation process between union representatives (which includes shop stewards) and management to establish a contract.

Noun

1. a union member who is elected to represent fellow workers in negotiating with management