Union representative
A union representative (also called shop steward) the trusted person in the workplace and works to ensure that things run smoothly. The union representative´s duties include, among other things:
- to monitor and ensure that the employer complies with laws and agreements.
- to negotiate matters concerning employees with the employer on behalf of all employees.
- to be an active member recruiter. It is worth introducing yourself to employees and telling new ones how important it is to belong to a trade union and that as a member, the union representative will help them with questions and problems related to the employment relationship.
- to familiarize yourself with workplace matters and inform members about them.
- to maintain peace in the workplace and be involved in developing everyday life in the workplace and the well-being of the personnel.
- to always act confidentially. The union representative is bound by a duty of confidentiality.
- to provide information about the activities of the union branch in the workplace.
The union representative is elected by PAM members who work under the collective agreement that applies at the workplace.
A competent union representative is in everyone's interest and they have the right to receive training for the position. More information about the training path for shop stewards can be found here.
Employee representatives and their deputies (union representatives/occupational safety and health representatives/deputies) have the opportunity to stay in a double room during courses organised in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area at the expense of the union branch.
If the employee representative wishes to stay in a single room, he/she will pay/compensate for the difference in the price of a single room. The support applies to basic and advanced courses for union representatives and occupational safety and health representatives.
The matter is agreed in advance with the chairperson of the trade union and the treasurer.
The union representative is entitled to paid time off to perform his/her duties. The amount of union representative compensation for the duties is specified in various collective agreements.
The union representative does not act alone, but is supported by his/her own work community, the union branch and PAM experts.
Would you like to become a shop steward?
Would you like to have an impact on your workplace? Are you aware of the conditions at your workplace and would you like to improve them? Would you like to help your colleagues?