Steward Elections
Steward Guidelines as Set by the Steward Review Committee

In response to the membership's desire to have a greater voice in the selection of union stewards, the Local's new administration has established a Steward Review Committee of six, rank-and-file Executive Board members who, after much discussion, decided the best course of action for a complete renewal of all steward and alternate positions to be conducted through a secret ballot election process in 2007-08.

Qualifications for Candidacy of Steward and Alternate:

1. Eligibility
a. Any working member in the store/unit.
b. One year in good standing with union at the time of the election.
c. Full time or part time employee.

2. Availability
a. Ability to serve a four-year term.
b. Available during normal work hours.
c. Attendance at member grievance meetings.
d. Volunteer attendance during non-working hours, vacations, or leaves, if warranted.

3. Personal Qualifications
a. Personable, knowledgeable and approachable.
b. Good communicator.
c. Excellent understanding of contractual language, including any separate contracts within the unit, if applicable.

4. Grocery & Meat Steward/Alternate Situations
Where there is both a grocery and meat steward in any given store, based on store interest, there is the option of:
(1) When interest is evident, conducting two separate elections in each department, using the same guidelines for both elections.
(2) Due to lack of interest in either department, conducting one election for the entire store, in which all employees may participate. In these cases, the elected Steward/Alternate will represent the entire store.

Steward/Alternate Election Process and Guidelines

Steward and alternate elections will be conducted at all units in 2007 as scheduled by the business representative. The exception being any units where a Steward election was conducted after October 1, 2006.All elections will be conducted according to the following process.

Step 1: The business representative will leave a posting announcing an “Open Steward Position” in the employee break room, or other designated area readily accessible to all members, for at least one week.
Step 2: Members interested in serving as steward/alternate sign the posting.
Step 3: The business representative removes the posting and verifies applicants’ qualifications.
Step 4: Should an election(s) be necessary, the business representative will schedule, conduct and organize an election(s), with all elections being conducted within 10 to 14 days following the removal of the “Open Steward Position” posting sheet. Scheduling of election times will be based on the number of members in a unit; location of the unit; and the needs of the membership. Local 876 will make every reasonable attempt to accommodate the largest percentage of the membership.
Step 5: The election will be conducted by secret ballot. The candidate with the top ballot count will serve as steward, while the candidate with the second highest vote total will serve as alternate. Business representatives will maintain custody of all election materials, and announce winning applicants.

Requirements of an Elected UFCW Local 876 Steward

A Local 876 steward is responsible for enforcing the union contract at the workplace and representing members in the grievance procedure and other encounters with management. In addition, the steward is responsible for keeping the membership in his/her unit informed and updated regarding union related matters including, but not limited to; contractual protections, UFCW constitutional rights, Local 876 by-laws; union dues and initiation fee structures, notice of membership meetings, contact information for Local 876 and other union-related sources, union member-specific programs, and upcoming programs and volunteer opportunities within Local 876.

The steward's role as communicator and liaison to the business representative and Local 876 is paramount in how well the membership in the unit work together. As communicator and immediate support person at the workplace, a steward's role is vital, and should be taken on only after serious consideration. Protecting and supporting the general welfare of the membership and its union is a main component of the union's strength.

In addition to these general requirements, all Local 876 stewards are required to:
● Attend the Annual Local 876 Steward’s Day
● Attend advisory or bargaining committee meetings, or any specially-called contract-related meetings
● Attend two General Local 876 Membership Meetings annually
● Maintain the Steward Box
● Regularly post materials on, and maintain, the Union Bulletin Board

Requirements of an Elected UFCW Local 876 Alternate Steward

Ability to serve four-year term, assist steward with duties and responsibilities when needed or requested.