Steward Notes: Assembling your team
Being a steward can be tough, especially when you’re alone. Here’s how you can assemble a team of coworkers to help – and maybe recruit more stewards in the pro
Jun 30, 2025
By Kavi Chahal, Communications Staff
Being a steward may feel like a lonely, tough job. But deep down, as a steward, you know why it’s rewarding, and you probably know that you’re not really alone. Every AUPE steward has the full support of their union, including their coworkers.
Standing up to your employer when they’re at their worst is no small task, but your coworkers couldn’t do it without you. You are an essential part of a strong, supportive union.
But it’s also true that you couldn’t do it without your coworkers. No one can take on such a critical position alone. Even the most dedicated activists need support and solidarity to take meaningful actions in the workplace.
Part of being a good steward is developing relationships with your coworkers, accepting their support, and recruiting them to stand with you.
“Increasing engagement and building a strong team of committed AUPE members is crucial to fighting for your rights,” says AUPE Vice-President Curtis Jackson, “Among the many important roles that a steward plays, recruiting new teammates is key.”
So how do you assembly your team of worksite contacts and stewards?
It may be helpful to think of your coworkers as falling into two categories, each requiring a different approach for recruitment.
Sign up strong union activists
You probably know engaged and enthusiastic AUPE members already. You’ve seen them at meetings, social events, anywhere that makes their passion for union activism known. These members are already primed to be a great source of information or become stewards themselves.
You just need to provide them with an opportunity!
“We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again... and again... and again. One-on-one conversations are the single best way share union news with your coworkers and turn them into activists,” says Jackson.
Develop relationships with these coworkers. Once you’re comfortable, introduce them to the basics of being a union steward. They may know the basics already, and if so, that is a great opportunity to recommend they take AUPE’s courses to become a steward.
Registering is easy, and it is free to sign up. Interested members who have taken the prerequisite courses start with Foundations for Union Stewards and are provided with hands-on training and support.
Look for natural leaders
But you probably also know AUPE members who are not involved or have no interest in union activism. And that’s okay.
Someone who is not an active member may be a great resource, especially if they are a natural leader who is liked by and supports their coworkers. This is the kind of person who seems to know everyone’s name, is friendly and approachable, and genuinely care about others.
You don’t need to convince these coworkers to become activists, but they can be a strong source of support and information for you as a steward.
Catch them up on union news and invite them to AUPE social events. Earning their friendship and support can really make your life easier as a steward. It is also useful to hear an outside perspective from someone who does not already live-and-breathe AUPE.
“Each and every one of us contributes to a strong union and constructive workplace,” says Jackson. “Stewards need a support system to rely on too, believe it or not. Recruiting more stewards and creating a community of support is the best way to avoid burnout and ensure you represent your coworkers to the best of your ability.”
AUPE’s Membership Services Officers are always available to assist you in your role as a steward. Staff Organizers are also available to help guide you in building your team. Never hesitate to contact the Member Resource Centre at 1-800-232-7284 when you need support.
