What does a shop steward do?

Benefits for employees and the workplace

Terms of employment are better at workplaces that have a shop steward. A shop steward helps ensure that the collective agreement and labour laws are followed and that employees’ views are taken into account in the workplace.

The shop steward serves as the collective voice of the employees, helps resolve work-related issues and works with the team to advance their shared interests. At the same time, the shop steward promotes dialogue in the workplace, industrial peace and employee participation.

The shop steward also promotes unionisation in the workplace. The shop steward helps new employees get to know the Industrial Union, holds discussions on recruiting members and ensures that employees have the opportunity to participate in representing collective interests. A strong shop steward and strong membership support each other.

When employees have their own representative and a common approach to working together, the conditions at work can be improved systematically and grievances can be addressed in a timely manner. It is in the best interest of the employees, the shop steward and the workplace.

Rights of a shop steward

The role of a shop steward is based on collective agreements and legislation. The shop steward has the right to receive the information necessary to carry out their duties and participate in negotiations concerning employees.

The shop steward also holds a special position as a representative of the employees. An employee serving as a shop steward cannot be dismissed from their job because of their position as shop steward.

In accordance with the collective agreement, the shop steward also has the right to use working time to carry out their duties and participate in the training required for their position of trust.

The Industrial Union stands behind shop stewards

You do not need to be a seasoned expert to become a shop steward.

The Industrial Union offers shop stewards training, advice, expert support and the opportunity to network with other union representatives. Shop stewards get help with interpreting collective agreements, addressing issues at work and handling situations involving representing employee interests at the workplace.

Training sessions are held online, in Murikka and in various other places all around Finland. In addition, union officials, experts and an extensive network of other shop stewards provide support to the shop stewards.