The Shop Steward is the visible presence of the ETU in the workplace as the union officer who works with and interacts with the members at the workplace and represents them in a specific work area.
Shop Stewards enforce the collective agreement and protect the rights members have acquired through negotiations and other union actions. Shop Stewards are members’ first line of defense, responsible for enforcing the EBA and handling grievances, and for proactively ensuring worksite safety, mobilising members for the union’s political campaigns, orienting new members to the worksite and the union, and more.
The ETU recognises the important role Shop Stewards play and are committed to supporting them in their activities, including through providing comprehensive training. The following training courses are offered to new and experienced Shop Stewards:
Shop Steward Level 1
Shop Stewards Level 1 training course is an introductory course designed to equip new shop stewards with a knowledge of Union organisation, of ETU history and structure and their role and responsibilities as a shop steward.
It also provides basic communications skills, problem solving and recruitment strategies to help them as an ETU Shop Steward.
The training encompasses the following topics:
- Unions and Industrial landscape
- The role of shop stewards
- Understanding your workplace
- Law – Awards, EBA and NES
- IR legislation update/trends
- Communication skills – listening and questioning
- Problem-solving
- Interviewing skills
- Talking 1-on-1, handling objections
- Presentation skills
- Running a meeting
Shop Steward Level 2
Shop Stewards Level 2 training course is a more advanced course that provides shop stewards with presentation and negotiation skills. It builds upon the Level 1 skills and is a practical course which hones those communication and problem solving skills in negotiation and presentation exercises.
The training encompasses the following topics:
- IR legislation update/trends
- Unions and Industrial landscape
- IR legislation update/trends
- Law – EBAs, Awards and NES
- Communication skills
- Dispute Resolution Procedures
- Presentation skills
- Preparation for negotiations
- Negotiation skills
- Running a meeting – reporting back