Frequently Asked Questions
08/05/2004 - What are shop stewards and business agents?
A shop steward is one of your co-workers, who acts as an agent of the union in the workplace. The Union membership and the Teamster local union determines procedures for electing shop stewards and negotiates how many stewards are in each job location, shift and department. The Steward's job is to make sure your company lives up to your contract. When there is a problem with management and you need union help, your first stop should be a visit with your shop steward.
A business agent is an official of your local union who handles any problems the shop steward cannot.