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The Steward's Guide for Welcoming New Members

As a worksite leader, part of your role is to introduce new members to the union so they understand what being a union member means for them and how they can get involved. This can be done during break time, lunch time, or before or after work.

1. Introduce Yourself

Set up a convenient time to talk one on one, free from distractions.  (Some locals have negotiated paid time for this purpose.) During the meeting, introduce yourself and explain your role as a union worksite leader -- that you are there to keep them informed and to help them with any problem they may have.  Tell the member a little bit about yourself and ask them a few questions about where they worked before, if they have ever been in a union, whether they have kids, and what they like to do in their time off.  Talk to them a little bit about your workplace--what it is like to work there and what your first day was like.  Give the member a copy of the leaflet, "Your New Job, Your New Union Family," their contract, your name and phone number, and other useful local union information.

2. Explain The Contract

Explain to the new member that the contract is an agreement negotiated between union members and management covering wages and other working conditions for a specified period of time.  Point out some of the articles that the member would be interested in at this time, particularly wages, vacations, holidays, etc.  Mention that there is a grievance procedure in the event that they have a problem in the workplace, but don't emphasize it or go into too much detail, as you don't want their first impression to be that being involved with the union is about creating conflict in the workplace.

3. Answer Questions

Allow enough time for the member to ask questions.  One question that usually comes up is about dues.  Explain how much union dues are and how dues are pooled by union members to benefit all of us by winning better contracts, laws, and benefits. If you don’t know the answer to a question, tell the person you will find out and get back to them. Be sure to get them the answer to help build their confidence in you.

4. Start To Get Them Involved

During your first meeting with the new member, you should be careful not to overload the person.  But at the first or second meeting, you should ask them to start participating like other local members do -- by signing a membership application if necessary, or by signing up to register to vote and contribute to COPE.  Invite them to upcoming union activities.  Present these steps as the normal, routine ways that employees help make the union united and strong for everyone's benefit.  In some cases, this can also be an opportunity to gauge what issues they may take most interest in and what talents they may have to contribute to union work.

Courtesy of TheWorkSite.org