SAG-AFTRA

Spring 2019

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44 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2019 | sagaftra.org Bartolotta, a reporter at WJZ in Baltimore, Maryland, appreciates the attentiveness and knowledge of her shop's steward. "There have been a few issues that SAG-AFTRA has helped me with," Bartolotta said. "I owe a great deal of credit to our shop steward, Mike Schuh, because he is always there when we need him, whether it's a big problem that really needs to be resolved or a tiny little question about what the union covers or what the rules are about clocking in or whatever. "I came from a shop that didn't have a union, and I see such a difference in the quality of life outside of work because of that. It really helps to know that SAG-AFTRA has my back if something does happen. And I'm able to lead a private life and I'm not glued to my workplace at all times because of it." SOLVING PROBLEMS Shop stewards exist to help members, and are often willing to assist in areas outside the scope of the contract, but it's important to remember that their authority is limited in those areas. The contract is a powerful tool, but it may not specifically cover every issue or circumstance. "One of the challenges is telling members what they don't want to hear," said Vic Ramos, who is the broadcast vice president for the New England Local and a former shop steward at WBZ-AM in KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Don't let a meeting with management get out of hand. If you're called in to explain why something went wrong, stop and think about your Weingarten Rights. By presenting this card to management, you may have the right to stop a meeting until your steward, assistant steward or a union rep arrives to accompany you. "If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined, terminated, or affect my personal working be present at this meeting. Until they arrive, as is my right under a U.S. Supreme Court decision called Weingarten, I choose not to answer any questions regarding this matter." Boston. "A lot of times, the members think the union is the be-all and end-all and can solve all their problems, but sometimes that just isn't true." If the same issues arise repeatedly and aren't covered by the contract, the shop steward works with the members to develop the necessary proposals for their next round of negotiations. There are some matters that are of such a personal nature that the shop steward knows to notify the union's professional staff immediately for attention. One such issue is sexual harassment. Because of the sensitive and personal nature of these kinds of issues, and the necessity of confidentiality, they are best brought directly to union staff, who have the proper training to handle the situation. OUTREACH Shop stewards also have a role to play in member education, and are a great way for new and established members to learn the value of the union and the protections it offers. "I just had a conversation with someone this morning and she said, 'Why do we have a union and do you think it's a good thing?'" said Jillian Pastori, a shop steward and listener services associate at New York Public Radio. "I spent time talking with her about why I think it's important: [Through] collective bargaining, we're able to negotiate things that maybe other people at this station don't have because they're not in the union. I do like being available for people if they have questions." Wherever they serve, shop stewards all seem to have a few traits in common: They understand the value of union protections, are well-versed in their contract, and care about their union brothers and sisters. SAG-AFTRA Chief Broadcast Officer Mary Cavallaro said shop stewards are member leaders who are dedicated to being both advocates and problem-solvers. "It's a position for someone who feels a real need to serve their colleagues. The people who volunteer are the kind of people who really care about not just their own work life, but about the work life of their colleagues," she said. "It's really perhaps one of the most selfless things that someone can offer to do." "IT'S A POSITION FOR SOMEONE WHO FEELS A REAL NEED TO SERVE THEIR COLLEAGUES." – SAG-AFTRA Chief Broadcast Officer Mary Cavallaro

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