Stewards are the union leaders nearest you in each workplace or worksite.

Co-workers elect Stewards for three-year terms. They police the contract, solve problems and monitor safety.

As your representative, they are authorized to investigate and try to solve your complaints or problems, including by filing a grievance. A grievance is a formal complaint that management has not obeyed the contract and has harmed you by its behavior.

Recognizing that management will sometimes view good Stewards with hostility and may seek to threaten or punish them, you contract and federal law grant Stewards special protections and rights, as well as time off to investigate grievances.

We provide regular training for Stewards. If you have a question about your contract or your rights, contact your Steward. If you think you would like to help your co-workers, let us know and we will get you on the road to becoming a Steward yourself.

Your Steward is the first person you should see if you have a problem or question. If you cannot find your Steward or if you want to talk to someone else, call the UAW office at 272-4108.

At Cornell, there are also Zone Representatives who are elected every three years by specific groups of employees.

Zone Reps assist the Stewards, coordinate activities in their zones and also comprise the bargaining committee when the contract is re-negotiated. Cornell Zone Reps meet monthly as the Cornell Steering Committee.