Rights In Conflict: How can you represent two members involved in a dispute with each other?

You must protect the rights of both members based on the facts and the contract, not popular opinion

Some of the most difficult grievances arise when the best interest of one member conflicts, or appears to conflict, with the best interest of another. For example, if you file a grievance for a member who isn't getting assigned overtime that he believes is rightly his, those members getting the improperly assigned overtime may feel you are taking money out of their pockets — even if the company is clearly violating the contract.

Fistfights can become nightmares for stewards. Members often take sides after a fistfight, expecting one member to receive better treatment than the other. The steward's duty is to represent the rights of both members based on the facts of the case. The combatants and their friends will have other ideas.

Let's examine an imaginary scenario. Jim is a popular member who works on the line right beside Sam. Sam is not nearly as popular. In fact, many people consider him a royal pain in the ass and feel sorry for Jim, who has to spend eight hours a day right next to Sam.

One day, they get into a fight. The supervisor breaks it up. Jim and Sam are both breathing heavily, red-faced, and angry. Sam has several red marks on his face and a rapidly swelling lip; Jim has a cut over one eye.

The supervisor immediately separates the two men and talks to them separately. Then he tells them both to go home because they are on "suspension pending investigation," what many people call a "crisis suspension."

This is when you arrive. You hear the words "fistfight" and "suspension," and you know from experience that there is a good chance someone is going to file a grievance over this at some point.

Steward's Sourcebook

To learn more about the educational opportunities available from the International, or to schedule a steward training session for your local lodge, contact Education and Training Services.