Chief Steward Report
AFS CHIEF STEWARD
Report for the 2019 AFS AGM
The following chart summarizes our AFS Group stewardship levels:
|
|
Members |
Stewards |
Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Atlantic |
658 |
56 |
11 : 1 |
|
BC / Yukon |
1,102 |
67 |
16 : 1 |
|
Headquarters |
1,295 |
20 |
65 : 1 |
|
NCR – IT |
2,494 |
37 |
68 : 1 |
|
Ontario |
1,322 |
94 |
14 : 1 |
|
Prairies / NWT |
1,359 |
49 |
27 : 1 |
|
Quebec |
1,426 |
82 |
17 : 1 |
|
Toronto |
2,077 |
67 |
32 : 1 |
|
Total AFS |
11,733 |
472 |
25 : 1 |
Steward Levels
The AFS Group has a healthy number of stewards when compared with other PIPSC groups. However, we still have locations (mostly at the larger offices) that could use more stewards. Attrition and succession planning requires the recruitment of new stewards. It is important to have a strong group of active stewards as we continue through this difficult bargaining round and deal with increased attacks on our members’ work performance and security status. We must also work towards ensuring that our steward group is representative of the demographic composition of our membership.
Steward Recruitment and Renewals
When recruiting new stewards, consider whether the applicant is in conflict with management or colleagues as these conflicts should be resolved before becoming a steward. Subgroup presidents, in consultation with their local executives, review the activity level of stewards to determine if they should be renewed. Attendance at steward councils and training events may not be sufficient. It is critical that stewards support our union at the subgroup level in some meaningful way. The subgroup president’s recommendation is important to the steward application and renewal process. If an application or renewal is not supported, document the reasons and communicate them to your AFS Regional Representative.
Steward Training and Steward Councils
We encourage our AFS stewards-in-waiting to take advantage of attending one regional steward council before completing their PIPSC Basic Steward Training. However, stewards-in-waiting must attend Basic Steward Training within two years of their being approved for stewardship. Experienced stewards should consider attending PIPSC Labour School to improve their ability to serve our members. The AFS Group usually has an AFS break-out session at steward councils to discuss AFS specific issues.
Phil Choo
AFS Chief Steward
250-415-7246