Nationwide, union members like those in Local 1805 make an average of 33 percent more than non-union workers. But a good union improves more than pay. This local is constantly fighting to improve working conditions. In the last contract, the union bargained a faster grievance procedure. No matter how great it looks on paper, though, a contract is only as strong as the people enforcing it.
Stewards are a key part of that enforcement.
Good believes a local s first responsibility is to supply the best resources we can to the members and get them interested and organized. He relies on a network of stewards to help achieve these goals. They keep in touch with fellow members by bulletin board and by walking around at lunch. Most attend monthly meetings and bring news back to the membership. Werner, himself a chief steward, says, A steward makes sure people understand the contract, and is someone to talk to you and help you with grievances.