Communicator
The role of communicator runs throughout every other role of the steward. As a democratic institution, a breakdown in communication can seriously damage a union. Listed below are some of the things that the steward should do and know to fulfill the role of communicator, and suggestions as to how to do them:
What you do:
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KEEP MEMBERS FULLY INFORMED ON UNION POLICIES AND ACTIVITIES ___________________________________________________________
DETECT AND STOP RUMORS
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KEEP MEMBERS INFORMED ON COMPANY PROPOSALS AND POLICIES
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DIRECT PROBLEMS THROUGH THE PROPER CHANNELS ___________________________________________________________
USE SEVERAL DIFFERENT METHODS OF COMMUNICATING WITH THE MEMBERS
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ENCOURAGE MEMBERS TO CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER AND WEBSITE
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IURGE ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION AT UNION MEETINGS
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What you need to know: ___________________________________________________________
UNION POLICIES AND ACTIVITIES AND THEIR RATIONALE
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WHERE THE RUMOR STARTED AND WHY
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MEMBERS SHOULD LOOK TO YOU FOR THEIR INFORMATION ___________________________________________________________
WHO HAS RESPONSIBILITY OVER THE AREA IN QUESTION
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COMMUNICATION METHODS MAY DIFFER ACCORDING TO THE MESSAGE
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THE NEWSLETTER IS THE VOICE OF THE MEMBERS AND OFFICERS
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THE UNION MEETING IS DEMOCRACY IN ACTION __________________________________________________________
How You go about it
1. Make sure your local has its own newsletter and that everyone receives it.
2. Talk to the members daily about the union, ask questions and listen to the responses.
3. Become an active listener as an important way to build solidarity in your union. Active listening is one of the best methods to build solidarity in your union.
4. Keep the union bulletin board updated. Use eye-catching fliers whenever possible.