Steward

Definition

A Steward primarily has two distinct definitions based on the context in which the term is used:

Union Representative: A steward in the context of labor unions is a worker who represents and handles day-to-day issues affecting workers within a unionized workplace. A steward is an employee and a member of the same bargaining unit and often represents co-workers in grievances, contract negotiations, and workplace disputes.
Male Flight Attendant: In the context of air travel, a steward is a male flight attendant responsible for ensuring passengers’ comfort and safety during flights. These responsibilities include serving meals and beverages, assisting with luggage, and providing safety instructions.

Examples

Union Representative

Handling Grievances: A steward assists a worker who believes they have been unfairly disciplined by management, helping to navigate the grievance procedure outlined in their collective bargaining agreement.
Contract Negotiations: During contract negotiations, the steward will collect input from union members, present their concerns to union leaders, and ensure that their interests are represented at the bargaining table.

Male Flight Attendant

In-flight Service: The steward serves meals and beverages to passengers, ensuring they are comfortable throughout the flight.
Safety Procedures: The steward guides passengers through safety procedures, including how to use emergency equipment and what to do in case of an emergency landing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What qualifications are needed to become a union steward? A: Typically, union stewards are elected by their peers for their knowledge of the workplace and ability to represent members. Training is often provided by the union.

Q: Is a steward in a union an employee as well? A: Yes, a steward is an employee and a member of the same bargaining unit, allowing them to have firsthand insight into the workplace issues faced by their co-workers.

Q: What are the key responsibilities of a flight attendant steward? A: A flight attendant steward’s responsibilities include ensuring passenger safety, providing food and beverage service, assisting with luggage, and preparing the cabin for takeoff and landing.

Q: Can the term stewardess be used for male flight attendants? A: No, the term stewardess specifically refers to female flight attendants. The correct term for male flight attendants is steward.

Q: How does a union steward support workers in a bargaining unit? A: A union steward supports workers by addressing grievances, representing workers during disciplinary actions, conveying worker concerns to management, and ensuring the terms of the collective bargaining agreement are followed.

[Bargaining Unit]: A group of employees with a clear and identifiable community of interest who are represented by a union in dealings with management.
[Shop Steward]: A union representative who works on the shop floor and is a point of contact for employees’ concerns and grievances.
[Stewardship]: The responsible overseeing and protection of something considered worth caring for and preserving, in many contexts outside of labor relations.

Online Resources

National Labor Relations Board (NLRB): Resources and guidance for union representatives including stewards.
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA: Information on the roles and responsibilities of flight attendant stewards.
The Labor Educator: Resources specifically aimed at union stewards, including how-to guides and legal advice.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“The Union Steward’s Complete Guide” by David Prosten: An extensive manual covering the roles and responsibilities of union stewards.
“The Flight Attendant Career Guide” by Tim Kirkwood: A guidebook on what it takes to be a flight attendant, including the duties and lifestyle.
“Collective Bargaining and Labor Relations” by E. Edward Herman: Provides in-depth insights into the process of collective bargaining and the role of union stewards.

Fundamentals of Steward: Management and Human Resources Basics Quiz

### What key role does a union steward play in the workplace? - [ ] Enforcing company policies - [ ] Reporting to the line manager - [x] Representing workers in grievances and negotiations - [ ] Monitoring employee attendance > **Explanation:** A union steward represents workers in grievances and negotiations, helping mediate issues between the workers and management. ### Can a union steward be a non-employee from outside the bargaining unit? - [ ] Yes, they can be anyone chosen by the union. - [ ] No, they must be a paid external consultant. - [x] No, they must be an employee within the same bargaining unit. - [ ] Yes, stewards must be external advisors. > **Explanation:** A union steward must be an employee within the same bargaining unit to effectively represent their co-workers' concerns. ### What is a primary function of an in-flight steward? - [x] Ensuring passenger safety and comfort - [ ] Flying the aircraft - [ ] Managing airport operations - [ ] Scheduling flights > **Explanation:** The in-flight steward’s primary function is ensuring passenger safety and comfort through services like food and beverage distribution and safety instructions. ### Who provides training for union stewards? - [ ] The employer - [x] The union - [ ] Government agencies - [ ] External training bodies > **Explanation:** Union stewards typically receive training from the union, equipping them with the necessary skills to represent their members effectively. ### Are stewards involved in contractual negotiations? - [x] Yes, they gather input and represent worker interests. - [ ] No, this is the role of financial advisors. - [ ] Yes, they set management policies. - [ ] No, they regulate employee attendance only. > **Explanation:** Stewards are involved in contractual negotiations by gathering input from workers and representing their interests during the negotiation process. ### In the context of a union, what is the term for the group of employees represented? - [ ] The committee - [ ] The workforce - [x] The bargaining unit - [ ] The assembly > **Explanation:** The term for the group of employees represented by the union in workplace negotiations is the bargaining unit. ### What specific training might a flight attendant steward undergo? - [ ] Executive management programs - [ ] Piloting courses - [x] Safety procedures and customer service programs - [ ] Financial planning workshops > **Explanation:** Flight attendant stewards undergo training in safety procedures, emergency protocols, and customer service to ensure passenger safety and comfort. ### What is another term for a union steward on the shop floor? - [x] Shop Steward - [ ] Floor Manager - [ ] Line Leader - [ ] Team Supervisor > **Explanation:** Another term for a union steward who works directly on the shop floor and addresses employees' immediate concerns is a Shop Steward. ### Which body primarily resolves disputes involving union stewards? - [ ] Human Resources department - [ ] Labor Arbitration Forum - [x] National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) - [ ] Employee Assistance Program (EAP) > **Explanation:** The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is a key body that resolves disputes involving union stewards and labor practices. ### What distinguishes a flight attendant steward from other flight crew members? - [ ] Their uniforms are different. - [x] They focus on passenger service and safety. - [ ] They are involved in aircraft maintenance. - [ ] They manage flight schedules. > **Explanation:** A flight attendant steward is distinguished by their focus on passenger service and safety, unlike other flight crew members who have different roles such as piloting and technical maintenance.

Thank you for exploring the roles of stewards in both labor unions and the airline industry. Keep striving for excellence in your human resource management knowledge!