Shop stewards are an important part of how any union functions. As a shop steward, you are the face of PSAC in the workplace. Whether you are elected or appointed, your role carries many responsibilities, including the following:

• Interacting with members and being their ally
• Providing information and education to members
• Mobilizing members to support union bargaining and other initiatives
• Enforcing collective agreements
• Solving problems in the workplace
• Representing members during complaints and grievances
• Liaising with the chief shop steward, local/branch executive and shop stewards’ network on workplace issues
• Participating on committees
• Creating a union presence and promoting the union in the workplace.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada Shop Steward Tool Kit [1] is designed to assist you in your role as a shop steward for your local/branch.

The vast amount of information in this tool kit provides a solid foundation for your work. However, the tool kit does not replace the various types of shop steward training available through the PSAC education program [2] and delivered by some Components. Check with the PSAC regional offices [3] and on their webpages for information about courses on grievance handling and about advanced training for shop stewards.

Regional component officers [4] can provide details on component shop steward training. PSAC is committed to enhancing the shop steward program with online courses and tools to facilitate your efforts in your workplace and Local/branch.

Useful forms and resources

Shop Steward fact sheet [5]

PSAC grievance form [6]

PSAC grievance transmittal form [7]

Common labour terms [8]