The Steward's Guide for Welcoming New Members

As a Steward, part of your role is to introduce new members to the Union so they understand who the Union is, what it does, and the importance of their involvement. This can be done during the break time, lunchtime, or before or after work.

1. INTRODUCE YOURSELF

Set up a convenient time for both you and the member to talk one on one, free from distractions. During the meeting, you should introduce yourself and explain your role as a Union Steward - you are there to keep them informed and to help them with any problem they may have. Tell the member a little about yourself and ask them a few questions about where they worked before and if they have ever been in a Union. Talk to them a little bit about your workplace - what it is like to work there and what your first day was like. Give the member copies of the Welcome to the Teamsters booklet, their Contract, your name and phone number, and other useful Local Union information.

2. EXPLAIN THE CONTRACT

Explain to the new member that the Contract is an agreement negotiated between the Union and Management covering wages and other working conditions for a specified period of time. Point out some of the Articles that the member would be interested in at this time, particularly wages, vacations, holidays, etc. Mention that there is a grievance procedure in the event that they have a problem in the workplace. However, do not stress it too much at this time since they are probably not experiencing any problems yet.

3. ANSWER QUESTIONS

Allow enough time for the member to ask questions. One question that usually arises is about dues. Be ready to explain how much Union dues are and how dues finance the activities of the Union on their behalf - grievance handling and arbitration, contract research and negotiations, organizing, etc. If you don't know the answer to a question, tell the people you will find out and get back to them. Be sure to get the answer to help build their confidence in you.

4. START TO GET THEM INVOLVED

During your first meeting with the new member, you should be careful not to overload the person. However, you should try to be sure that this meeting is not a once in a lifetime event. You should make it a point to talk to the new member again. At this time, you should have them sign a membership application, check-off authorization, beneficiary card and NYS Teamsters Benefit Forms Enrollment Form. Then, begin to work to involve the person in the activities of the Union, for example, going to a Union meeting or participating in the political action activities and fund of the Union D.R.I.V.E.