Now that management has officially signed our collective bargaining agreement, we have a host of new rights, but those rights are only as good as our ability to know and enforce them. Stewards are the front-line advocates and mobilizers for the bargaining unit--they serve as liaisons between union leadership and members, keeping an ear to the ground for workplace issues that the union can help with and making sure everyone in the unit has someone they know and trust to talk to if they need support.

To adequately cover the bargaining unit, we would love to have someone from every department serving as a steward. You don't need any experience with unions to serve, just a willingness to learn the ins and outs of the contract and keep in touch with your coworkers. The News Guild holds regular steward trainings that cover everything from grievance procedures to Weingarten rights and organizing, and you'll have the backing of all your colleagues who have already been helping to fight for the rights of press staff. If you don't feel comfortable in that role, please take a moment to think about who in your department you trust and encourage them to volunteer so you know you can count on someone when you need them.

If you're interested and have any questions or would like to learn more about what it means to be a steward, we will be holding a Q&A info session next Wednesday, September 18, 12pm-1 p.m. Keep an eye out for an invite with Zoom details on your work calendar.