German Ramirez  Steward Director
	Thank you for your interest and participation in the Local 135 Steward Program.  Please visit our website often to stay updated.  If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call or email me at (619) 298-7772, ext. 153 or gramirez@ufcw135com.

WHAT IS THE STEWARD PROGRAM?

The steward program is for union activists. 

Stewards participate in a wide range of activities that include organizing non-union employees, market share protection, politics, community activism, member education, and in-store mobilization. 

Stewards act as a liaison between the union and the members and give us a constant union presence in the workplace. 

Stewards keep up to date on all union activities and current events and are able to report all important information to their fellow members. They study all available union literature such as the  UFCWorker, Member Alert, and Active Ballot Club newsletter. 

Stewards are leaders and mentors in their workplace who have earned the respect of both management and fellow members. 

Stewards truly value the benefits of their union job and always strive to protect those benefits. 

Becoming a Steward is an immense responsibility and the greatest satisfaction is helping our union and fellow members.

WHAT IF I WANT TO BE A STEWARD?

 The Steward Program is a non-paid volunteer force open to all UFCW members in good standing. If you are interested in becoming a steward, please contact us at:

 (619) 298-7772 EXT 153

·       Participate in any and all union activities which include but are not limited to: Organizing non-union employees, market share protection, politics, community activism, member education and in-store mobilization. 

·       Attend all union meetings which include: Annual steward’s seminar, union workshops, membership votes, etc. 

·       Volunteer to precinct-walk and phone bank during the political season and encourage my co-workers to participate. 

·       Talk to non-union workers and attain a minimum of one lead per year. 

·       Welcome and educate all new members about the benefits of being a union member. 

·       Become an Active Ballot Club member and registered voter, and assist my union in signing up others. 

·       Participate in the annual “Light the Night” walk to raise money for Leukemia and Lymphoma research and encourage my fellow co-workers to participate. 

·       Post the monthly “Member Alert” in a timely manner on my break room bulletin board. 

·       Notify my union representative of contract violations. 

·       Direct my co-workers to the proper department.
( i.e. membership, insurance, pension, etc.)