Stewards Toolkit
Grievances
Members a contractual right to have a steward at a meeting with their manager. Our contract states, "The manager or supervisor shall notify the bargaining unit employee that they may have a VFNHP representative present prior to or during any conversation, interview, or investigation that, in the reasonable opinion of the manager/supervisor, could result in progressive discipline or necessitate some form of disciplinary documentation in a personnel file."
A steward is trained to know how to help nurses through the process of meetings with managers and resolving issues around contract interpretation and enforcement.
Good stewards have the following tools:
- VFNHP Steward Handbook (copy given to each steward at Steward training- sign up for training (on paid time) by calling the office 657-4040)
- A copy of the VFNHP 2006-2009 contract (request a copy from the office or use online version)
- The ability to access FAHC Policies and Procedures (FAHC intranet)
- Concern for Safe Staffing Form (2 pages)
- An up-to-date unit list and seniority list
- Member information sheets on all of the members you communicate with regularly
- Union literature (constitution, newsletters, flyers/alerts)
- A copy of the VFNHP grievance timeline guide (You don’t want to miss a deadline!)
- Copies of grievance forms and grievance worksheets
- Contact information for VFNHP Union Leaders to help you out when you have a question. (We all have questions, because each situation is unique.)
Don't forget to ask if the issue has been solved in the past on another unit. A win on one unit is a win for all units! It can save you time and work when you identify a past win to settle a current issue on your unit.
