Articles to help stewards do a better job

The Research and Collective Bargaining Services Department of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers & Helpers provides comprehensive support for collective bargaining activities, including training for stewards and local lodge officers.

These articles have been taken from the Boilermaker Reporter [1], which carries The Stewards Page as a regular feature.

• How To Interpret Contract Language [2] - Figuring out what the contract actually says is not always easy. How to interpret contract language
• How To Argue Your Position [3] - Evidence is key to winning the grievance. Collect all the evidence you can, quantify it, make it trustworthy, and present it well for maximum impact.
• Five Steps To Winning Grievances [4] - There's no magic bullet, but carefully following these basic steps can give you a great advantage.
• Employers Must Have "Just Cause" For Discipline [5] - Stewards can use these seven questions to establish whether the employer has just cause.
• Grievance Handling - But We've Always Done It That Way! [6] - Using past practice to win grievances
• Organize Your Facts With a Steward Fact Sheet [7] - This useful tool organizes the information you'll need to process a grievance
• Rights In Conflict: How Can You Represent Two Members Involved In a Dispute With Each Other? [8] - You must protect the rights of both members based on the facts and the contract, not popular opinion
• Sexual Harassment Grievances Are Never Easy [9] - They can be really difficult when one member is accusing another one of inappropriate behavior
• Good Records Help the Steward and the Local [10] - Keeping grievance information well organized not only wins cases, it can help win good contracts
• What To Do When a Member Asks For Advice [11] - Have your tools handy & be careful what you say
• ULPs Ensure Company Complies With NLRA [12] - The NLRB does not solve grievances, but makes sure everyone — companies & unions — complies with law
• Don't Jump To Conclusions [13] - Let the Facts Guide You
• Grievance Handling [14] - A grievance log helps categorize facts
• Arguing a Grievance Is Like Arguing a Court Case [15] - If you want to win your grievance, you need to know what argument to use and how to support your claim
• Educate Your Members Regarding Their Contract [16] - The more they understand, the easier your job will be