Gallup poll: As a shop steward you are the voice of the workers
Shop stewards are in a key position to help with problems in the workplace and make things better. Three work representatives share with us why there is a need for shop stewards and why they got involved themselves.
Being a shop steward can be rewarding but at the same time, it is a responsibility. Shop stewards play the most important role in terms of PAM’s advocacy efforts: they see to it that their own workplace complies with the union’s most important member benefit – the collective agreement.
PAM has a handful of shop stewards, who work and assist members in workplace matters in English. We have spoken to three of them, and in the following poll they tell why they got involved and how it is to deal with their daily duties in English.
1. Why did you become a shop steward?
2. What things have you been able to influence as a shop steward at your workplace, give a few examples of work related achievements?
3. How do you manage your duties in English? Would you recommend the position of trust to others who also communicate in English?
Many workplaces are electing workplace representatives in the fall of 2021. Read more here.
1. Almost 80 percent of the employees in my work place are from abroad, including myself. There were some misunderstandings at work and as I like helping others, it was the thing that made me participate in the shop steward elections in early 2020. As a shop steward, you have the opportunities to make your workplace a better place for everyone.
2. I feel I have been able to bring more peace in the work place. Many workers do not necessary know the Finnish rules of working life and feel afraid to ask their supervisor. By bringing matters forward and solving issues, it has increased the understanding and trust in the work community. By time, the communication between workers and employers has also become much more relaxed and positive. Workers feel they have a voice nowadays. Being on the frontline is not easy, but it takes the stress off the workers. I feel happy when I can make things better overall and one good thing usually lead to another.
3. I have worked in several European countries before. Therefore, I am used to communicate and work in English. It is also easy to take care of things here in English. At Vihannes-Laitila we also speak English among the employees. If you happen to hit a language barrier, you simply cross it, sometimes with the help of Google Translate or a workmate. The most challenging things have to do with the employer, and when there is the lack of understanding in certain situations. I do want to improve my Finnish skills, as it will help me to get more information in this task. The collective agreement is my teacher. In addition, I also use the PAM’s website and the website of the Occupational Safety and Health authority in Finland.
Becoming a shop steward is like a calling, something you know inside if you want to do or not. If you are a peaceful person and really care about people and ready to push for change, it does not matter what language you speak. This can also be a life changing experience as well as a great opportunity.
Ionut-Ciprian Bulgaru, Storage worker & shop steward, Vihannes-Laitila
1. A year ago, there were some problems at work and we had nobody to ask for advice. Some work mates and I contacted PAM’s regional office and asked for help regarding our rights in a situation of change of ownership. We learned that a shop steward can be elected, and that way other union members can get help too. That is how I was selected shop steward for Fafa’s restaurant employees in 2020. Later on, I became shop steward for supervisors.
2. Together with the other shop steward, I have been able to sort out mistakes connected to the workers holiday pay and holiday bonuses. That has been the biggest thing so far. Another thing has to do with safeguarding worker’s wages according to changes in the collective agreement.
3. The company’s work language is English, which is beneficiary to us as there are many different nationalities among us. On the other hand, it can sometimes be tricky if documents are only in Finnish. Especially if the matter is of great importance, I tend to ask for help from the regional office, just to be on the safe side.
I can recommend this task to someone who is ready and willing to help others. The position of shop steward also gives you a better employment protection and entitles you to attend specific courses under the collective agreement. Protection against dismissal has become much more important during the pandemic, but you should still be in it for the right reasons. You are the link between PAM and the workplace when needed. Diplomacy is also required and if you want to improve the relations between the workers and the employer and you like to negotiate, and don’t get put off by verbal wrestling, this is for you.
Pavel Gurov, Restaurant Manager & shop steward, Fafa’s restaurants
1. The decision to become a shop steward was not something I planned at all. I had no idea workplace reps even existed before. I had some questions in regard of my work and during a visit to PAM’s regional office, it became clear there is no shop steward at Freska. I was encouraged to participate in the elections in 2019, and I was selected the company’s first time ever shop steward. I do have an interest in work place issues and legislative matters.
2. I would say, the implementation of regulated and checked coffee breaks, which we did not have before. Nowadays, we also have a 9-hour daily working limit. There has also been co-operation negotiations, which despite circumstances went smoothly.
3. As our working language at Freska is English, it has been easy for me to take care of things in English. As a shop steward, you need to know the collective agreement, in my case facility services, by heart and it helps to know basic Finnish. Naturally, I would recommend the position to other workers too. But only if you are willing to put your heart and soul into it. The task requires motivation and willingness to make things better, a genuine attitude. Never mind the language barrier, things work out. I felt a bit scared in the beginning to participate in trainings in Finnish, but all went well. Building trust in the work community also takes time. I am happy that fellow-workers have learned to trust me and ask advice from me.
Gerstin Juss, house cleaner & shop steward, Freska
Text:: Marie Sandberg-Chibani