I had to stick it to an old friend at work today, I'm a steward and did what was right
I can't go into details because of privacy. Many people on the DU know where I work. An old friend of about 25 years crossed a line. I had to inform management of the action. Some days being a good steward comes at a cost. I protected my co-workers. I may have cost an old friend his job.
1. If they crossed the line, you did what you had to. But...
Edited on Thu May-29-08 05:33 PM by Poll_Blind
...what kind of steward are you?
# someone who manages property or other affairs for someone else # the ship's officer who is in charge of provisions and dining arrangements # an attendant on an airplane ? - a union member who is elected to represent fellow workers in negotiating with management # custodian: one having charge of buildings or grounds or animals
shop steward: a union member who is elected to represent fellow workers in negotiating with management
More than negotiating, I make sure the contract is followed. I also represent workers on non contract policy issues and more. Today was no fun. No joy in Mudville.
2. While there is little union reprsentation here in So. Az.,, I worked
on a huge job on Ft. Huachuca, where union membership was required. After a month or so, I was made a steward. It seemed an awkward position, because I was a foreman too.
4. You did the right thing Steve. There are two rules, one is there is
never enough time to do something right the first time, but always enough time to do it over. The second is you never compromise safety for production. I know of management types who preach safety incessantly only to look the other way when production is at an all time low. Pitiful but true.
5. Kudos to you for your ethics of honoring the good of the many over your personal friendship
I am so sorry that you had such a touch call to make. I can tell that it caused you no small amount of pain to do it. You are a courageous man and I salute you for your honorability.
6. I always read your posts and feel I know very well the type man you are.
If it wasn't the right thing to do you wouldn't have done it. Good on you and love your posts. My sons (one works for Verizon)love when I send them stuff from you. Very informative.
why a shop steward would be compelled to make a report (absent some contractual expansion of that obligation); theft or safety. Understanding the need for confidentiality, I would be curious if there is some other broad exception to the general union reliance on the employer's obligation to manage that would require a steward to make an adverse report.
Safety. Quick action stopped a potential life threatening situation. Action taken yesterday and today by management will keep several workers safe. Worth losing a long time friend. The employee will not loose his job. I agree with the steps that were taken, but have no control over management issues. But a good relationship with management allows (mine and the unions) direct input.
You have my respect and sympathies for the likely damage to the friendship. Just had a similar situation concerning safety that will pit members of one of my locals against a member of a different local at my advice. Will have to arrange independent representation for a member who is probably going to get a major discipline, if not termination as a result of the advice I gave to the other members concerning a response to behavior.
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