Union 411 shines a light on AFSCME Strong stewards
When I think about what makes our union powerful and effective, I think about AFSCME stewards.
Amanda Fallis is just one example. She is a new steward and officer in Local 2349 in New Orleans, Louisiana — a tough place to build a union. Last year, in an article about their organizing campaign, Amanda talked about the importance of building communication and mobilization networks across their bargaining unit, including the public library where she has worked for 12 years. “The only way to create any sort of worker voice was to unionize and act together,” said Fallis. “We went to every one of our 15 library branches back-to-back, to meet fellow staff members, hear their issues, and build common bonds … to just let them know that we are more powerful when we stand together united.”
The city workers in New Orleans are now in the middle of a first contract campaign. Along with her co-workers, Amanda is fighting for better safety conditions, including protection from extreme heat. “A lot of people I know have felt isolated, frustrated, helpless, or like there’s no solution. It’s important to know there finally is one here,” she said. “We have a place to go to exchange ideas, to fight, to organize, and work together to make everything better.”
Those words are an inspiring reminder of why stewards matter. Stewards play an essential and often unappreciated role in our local unions: Hearing from co-workers about all that is frustrating on the job. Ensuring that our rights and our contracts are enforced and honored. Taking on management on behalf of the greater good. And sometimes having difficult conversations with friends as well as foes. Plus, they are the communications and mobilization network in many of our locals. It’s a big and crucial job, and we are so lucky that wonderful people step up to the plate to do it.
In this brand-new Union 411 installment, we explore the six essential roles that stewards play in building and strengthening local unions. If you have ever wondered what stewards do and how to help them, this Union 411 video is especially for you!
The Union 411 series explains union basics and how to build strong local unions. Each video highlights a specific topic, like your right to form a union and what is in your union contract.