Why We Need More Stewards in the Workplace

As SLOCEA’s Senior Labor Representative, I serve as the staff liaison over the Steward Committee, a very important committee of members that plays a vital role in the union. Stewards are the bridge between members and SLOCEA staff, and they are essential in keeping SLOCEA strong, visible, and effective in departments and workplaces throughout the County.

A Steward is often the first point of contact for members who have questions, need support, or want to better understand their rights under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Whether it’s answering a quick workplace question or attending a meeting and sharing important updates, Stewards play a vital role in making sure members feel informed and supported. They are the eyes and ears of our union at the worksite, ensuring that members have someone to turn to quickly when issues arise.

Contract negotiations is a time when having strong communication between the union and our membership is more critical than ever. Stewards help ensure that members know what’s happening at the bargaining table and how they can show support for the bargaining team and process. The stronger our network of Stewards, the stronger our collective voice is during negotiations.

That’s one reason we are actively recruiting more Stewards. While some worksites have well-established Steward representation, some departments don’t have anyone serving in this vital role. If your workplace doesn’t currently have a Steward, we encourage you to consider stepping forward. Even if you’re unsure, becoming a Steward is a great way to learn more about SLOCEA, strengthen your connection with your coworkers, and gain skills that will benefit you professionally.

To be appointed to the Steward Committee, you must be a SLOCEA member for at least one year and obtain signatures of support from your co-workers. Once appointed by our Board of Directors, you’ll join our team that meets virtually on the second Thursday of every other month from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. These meetings are designed to keep Stewards informed, connected, and supported, while being mindful of busy work schedules. The meetings give Stewards the chance to hear union updates, discuss workplace issues, share strategies, and learn more about the rights of public employees. It’s also a great opportunity to build relationships with SLOCEA staff and fellow members across different departments and job classifications.

You don’t need to have prior experience to serve as a Steward—just a willingness to learn and a commitment to supporting your fellow members. SLOCEA provides training, resources, and ongoing guidance. Many of our Stewards have developed leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills that have carried over into them serving SLOCEA in even greater leadership roles.

If you are interested in becoming a Steward or simply want to learn more about what the role entails, contact me directly at tschultz@slocea.org or by calling our office at 805-543-2021. I can discuss with you the responsibilities, commitment, training, and the many ways you can contribute to making SLOCEA a stronger, more unified and formidable union.

Together, we are stronger!

Theresa Schultz, Senior Labor Representative