The Union Steward's Prayer

Grant me, O Lord, the genius to explain to my brothers and sisters the policies and plans of our great union even though no one explains them to me.

Give to me the understanding that I may forgive the apathetic

member, curb the over-ambitious member and accept the views of the member who does nothing until I have done something, and then tells me how I should have done it and what I should have done.

O Lord, make me formidable in debate, logical in argument,

fearless in confrontation. A lawyer, actor, mathematician, sage, philosopher, sociologist and economist; pleasing, cajoling, threatening, belaboring so that I may make the best of a good case and a good case from no case at all.

Teach me, O Lord, to stand at all times with both feet firmly on

the ground -- even when I haven't got a leg to stand on.

Lord, I am a union steward. 

In your infinite wisdom see my need for all these things in your great mercy to grant them to me.

And when I have them, Lord -- MOVE OVER!

(from the United Paperworkers International Union who merged with the United Steelworkers of America)

Here's to our Stewards

Tune: Frosty the Snowman

Lyrics: Julie McCall

Here's to our stewards!

They're the Union's heart and soul

Every worker goes to these heroes

When injustice takes its toll.

Here's to our stewards!

When the conflict is intense

If the boss gets rough, they will stand with us

They're our first line of defense.

There seems to be no end to grievance forms

 that they compile

And they're completely awesome

 when they defend the rank-and-file!

Here's to our stewards!

They know every contract clause

Bring the New Year in by awarding them

Our unanimous applause!

Your only tool.

If the only tool you have is a hammer,

you tend to see every problem as a nail.

-- Abraham Maslow

If it's difficult, we'll try to get it done right away.

If it's impossible, it may take us a little longer.

Sign on the door of the union office.

Each of us is a link in this great union chain

that stretches around the world.

 I will try every day to keep my link, united, active and strong.

-- Addie Wyatt, United Food & Commerical Workers (UFCW)

This handy pocket-sized reference is packed with vital info and tools important for every steward. Weingarten Rights, FMLA & ADA, Steward's 10 Commandments, space for note-taking, labor history -- it's all here in a pocket-sized compact booklet (130 p.) by David Prosten, the editor of The Union Steward's Complete Guide.

Look here.

Stand By Me

(video : 3 min.)

by

Tracy Chapman