Stewards’ Council (SC) is the mobilization branch of the union. Stewards and other interested members come together to discuss issues, plan political actions, coordinate outreach, and identify grievances. SC meetings generally take place once a month, but the SC has sub groups that meet more frequently. SC meeting is expected of stewards, but all members are welcome to attend and participate in SC meetings!
We are always looking for new stewards from all departments and are seeking to broaden representation of all four units on the Council. If you would like to be a steward, or know of others who do, contact one of the Lead Stewards. Being a steward is a great way both to learn about your rights, responsibilities, and benefits as an union member, and to protect these hard-won provisions with and for your colleagues.
What the role of Stewards can include:
- Helping members understand the protections and benefits of the Collective Agreement
- Answering questions from members in departments or hiring unit.
- Passing on reminders about union meetings and other information.
- Supporting members who are going through grievances.
- Organizing departmental or hiring unit meetings of members, and planning actions or events, especially when collective responses are necessary.
- Informing members about the ways they can participate in and help shape the important political and structural work of the Local.
- Encouraging member participation in the union’s day-to-day functioning.
- Keeping members informed about issues in the local and important struggles in the community.
- Attending Stewards’ Council meetings and the General Membership Meetings (GMMs).
- Participation in Stewards’ Council subcommittees and working groups.
- Participation in union political campaigns.
Stewards receive training for their role and the Lead Stewards are always available for additional support.
Lead Stewards
The Lead Stewards recruit and coordinate the work of stewards, and they chair Stewards’ Council meetings. There is a Lead Steward for each unit, elected at the end of the academic year (i.e., in the winter semester). If you have any questions or want more information on becoming a Steward, please contact the Lead Steward for your unit:
- Becky Whiley, Lead Steward Unit 1, cupe3903csu1@gmail.com
- Neil Braganza, Lead Steward Unit 2, cupe3903chiefstewardunit2@gmail.com
- Shyam Patel, Lead Steward Unit 3, cupe3903csu3@gmail.com
- Susan Bryant, Lead Steward Unit 4, cupe3903csu4@gmail.com