If you haven't read the latest newsletter, you might not know that it's the time again for all Shop Stewards and Chief Shop Stewards to be elected. If you didn't know, here's the link to the article.
Since the article was written, there have been some follow up questions and hopefully this FAQ will help resolve any issues you may have needed clarification on.
Q: I'm already a Shop Steward, does this mean I have to run again?
A: Yes, every single Shop Steward and Chief Shop Steward must be nominated and elected if they are still interested in continuing on as a Steward.
Q: But I was elected only a year ago, am I excluded from having to run again?
A: No, everyone needs to be nominated and elected if they wish to continue as a Steward.
Q: There's only one of us that wants to be a Steward, do we still need to have an election?
A: No, the process is called acclamation. If you're the only one interested and nominated, then you're in.
Q: How many Shop Stewards can our branch/stand alone location with more than 6 members have?
A: That depends on your total membership, if you have questions feel free to email Neil president@iamaw99.ca with your question.
Q: How does this "nomination" process work?
A: Go to our Stewards Page and look for the Steward Nomination Form. Print it off and put it in your lunch room. If you want to be a Shop Steward then get someone to nominate you by filling out the form.
Q: How long does the nomination form have to be posted?
A: May 1st through July 31st 2014
Q: What do we do with the nominations forms afterwards?
A: Each form must be returned to the hall, you can do this by scan and email to president@iamaw99.ca, or snail mail to the hall at #101, 10471 - 178st Edmonton, AB. T5S-1R5
Q: How is this "Shop Steward Election" supposed to happen?
A: Once you've confirmed with the Executive the number of Shop Stewards allowed at your location, you place the names of all duly nominated members on a ballot and the members are given the ability to vote by secret ballot into a secure box from August 1st to September 31st. Once the voting window has closed, the previously elected Shop Stewards will count the votes and report their results to president@iamaw99.ca.
Q: So how do I become a Chief Shop Steward?
A: Once the Shop Steward elections have been completed and the winners declared, any of the successfully elected Shop Stewards can declare their intention to run for the position of Chief Shop Steward. If there is a need for a Chief Steward election then it will be performed in the same manner as the Shop Steward election was, only this time the ballot will only contain those that have been successfully elected and wish to run for the Chief Steward position.
Q: If I'm the only Shop Steward elected, do I automatically become the Chief Shop Steward?
A: Yes.
Q: How many Chief Shop Stewards is my branch/stand alone location with more than 6 members allowed?
A: Each area is allowed one (1) automatically, and one more for each 100 after that. So a location with 50 members would have one (1) Chief Shop Steward; a location with 100 members would have two (2).
Q: I wasn't elected as a Shop Steward, can I run for a Chief Shop Steward position?
A: No.
Hopefully this clears up some questions for the membership. If you have any more, feel free to email the local president Neil Rudiger president@iamaw99.ca, or simply comment on this page.
