Steward Notes: Little meetings, everywhere

Has a coworker ever asked you, “How was the union meeting last night?” This can be a frustrating question, especially if you get a lot of them. But instead of getting frustrated, it’s your responsibility to turn your coworker’s curiosity into a positive, productive conversation about the union.

Your first instinct may be to say that they should attend union meetings if they are interested in knowing what happened at them. But that is just it—your coworker is asking because they are interested—and that is a good first step toward becoming an active union member. Tell your coworker what happened at the meeting and use the conversation as an opportunity to find out what issues matter to them.

Not every union member is born a union activist. Furthermore, most of us live busy lives and don’t have the time to attend meetings regularly.

Becoming active in the union is a slow journey. It often begins with just one worksite issue, or one person, that inspires members to get involved. As a union steward, you can be that one person!

Stewards protect and defend the rights of their coworkers under their collective agreement. But stewards are also worksite leaders—which includes inspiring others to become union activists and leaders themselves.

Continue the conversation

Think of every conversation about the union as showtime, especially when members express an active interest. Communicate energy and urgency! Instead of chastising members for not attending the meeting, share what happened and how it matters to them.  

Any opportunity to talk union is a good opportunity. Talking union is vital to building worker power on a jobsite. Gatekeeping information behind meetings only some folks can attend does not make our union stronger.

Be prepared

You know it is going to happen: at some point you will be asked what happened at the union meeting, so it’s best to be prepared.

Put together a list of discussion points from the meeting. Include a couple of main items that were discussed and what was decided. This doesn’t need to be a minute-by-minute account, just enough to share the highlights.

Create a network

Create a list of members who show interest in what happened at the meeting. After each meeting, make a point of having conversations with them—or send them an email or text message with the key points you put together.  

These coworkers can help you the word about union activities. Ask them to pass your key points on to their coworkers and friends on the worksite. This member-to-member network can play a vital part in building a worksite of union activists.

Think of this member-to-member network as a series of small union meetings.

Some people don’t feel comfortable discussing big issues in a crowded union meeting, and that’s okay. Smaller, informal meetings and conversations helps members discuss their issues in a space that feels safe, giving them the confidence to become active in their union.

You may even inspire them to lead their own union meetings one day.