Assisting members with particular needs that have to be met in the workplace or who have been the object of unjust decisions is what motivated me to become a shop steward. I have seen how issues related to work volume, staffing, accommodation, discrimination or harassment, and health, can have a great impact on members. I believe we all have a responsibility to contribute in some way to a positive and healthy work environment.

The most rewarding moments have been those when members were happy with the outcome of our representation, but especially those when they showed appreciation for feeling supported, for simply feeling that someone was there for them, on their side. Feeling supported myself, in this role, by other stewards and members has also been a rewarding experience. 

Instances when our employer responded to a collaborative approach, in the interest of our members, have been positive experiences, as well.

 I decided to become a steward because I believe that we need to hold our employer accountable to how they treat their staff.

As a union, PSAC fights for fair treatment of our members in the workplace, and yet in practice, as an employer, they often treat their own staff in a way that they would never stand for their members to be treated. I was tired of complaining about this hypocrisy and decided to get involved as a steward.

My work in the Representation section has positioned me well to act as a steward because I know the law and jurisprudence around the duty to accommodate, harassment, collective agreement interpretation, and discipline in the workplace.

It is very rewarding to be able to support my fellow members when they are looking for guidance and help with their issues in the workplace. I also appreciate the support I have gotten from our stewards and chief steward.

 I recently became a steward because I want to help make our workplace healthy and positive. I want to push for my fellow colleagues’ rights and ensure they’re respected.

The grievance case I have been working on as a steward has been very fulfilling and has allowed me to get to know a colleague from a different department whom I never would have gotten to know otherwise! I really appreciate being able to build a greater sense of community with my colleagues.

Since becoming a Unifor 2025 steward I have learned a great deal more about our collective agreement, our rights and the challenges we are up against as employees of PSAC.  

I feel good about supporting my individual co-workers and engaging in the larger struggle for justice.   As a steward I have to care, listen, think, collaborate and problem solve while being strategic.  I enjoy, more than I thought I would, the intellectual challenge and the emotional satisfaction of my work as a steward. 

The comradeship felt among the stewards is an added bonus!