APC stewards serve as the frontline advocates for Unit 4 employees, ensuring that CSU policies align with the APC contract and that members have representation when workplace concerns arise. While their role is critical, there are clear guidelines on what stewards can and cannot do within the union and CSU system.
Stewards are volunteers and play a key role in contract enforcement, grievance handling, and member education. However, there are limits to their authority, particularly in cases that escalate beyond campus-level disputes.
This article explores the responsibilities of APC stewards, the limits of their role, and how they support members across CSU campuses.
What is an APC Steward?
APC stewards are problem solvers, advocates, and leaders who support Unit 4 employees in navigating workplace concerns, contract rights, and union engagement. When an employee has a workplace issue, stewards help identify solutions—whether through informal resolution or the grievance process.
Stewards bridge the gap between members and union leadership, ensuring that employee concerns are heard while also keeping members informed about APC policies, contract rights, and organizational goals. They educate and organize, helping members understand the contract, participate in the union, and stay engaged with broader workplace issues.
Key Responsibilities:
- Welcome new employees and encourage union participation.
- Enforce contract rights and assist in resolving workplace disputes.
- Increase unity among members and foster a strong APC community.
- Communicate with APC leadership to share workplace concerns.
- Educate members on contract interpretation and workplace rights.
- Support APC’s advocacy efforts, including legislative initiatives that benefit Unit 4 employees.
Stewards play a vital role in protecting workplace rights, strengthening union representation, and ensuring that employees have a voice in decisions that affect their careers.
How Many Stewards Does APC Have?
APC currently has 67 stewards across CSU’s 23 campuses. If at any time a campus does not have an available steward, the APC President and Vice President serve as stewards for that location.
Steward elections occur every two years in the spring. While the process allows for formal elections, most campuses fill steward positions through volunteers rather than competitive elections.
What Can Stewards Do?
Contract Enforcement & Grievances
Stewards play a key role in enforcing the APC contract by addressing concerns related to:
- Workload and hours
- Reclassification issues
- Disciplinary actions
- Pay discrepancies
If a member raises an issue, a steward assesses whether a contract violation has occurred. If necessary, the steward files a grievance and represents the member at the Level 1 grievance stage, which is handled at the campus level.
Workplace Conflict Resolution
Not all workplace concerns lead to grievances. Stewards frequently act as confidential advisors, helping members resolve conflicts with supervisors or colleagues before escalating the issue.
Representation in Disciplinary Meetings
If a Unit 4 employee is facing potential discipline, they have the right to steward representation under Weingarten Rights. This ensures that employees are not alone when discussing serious workplace matters.
Bringing Issues to APC Leadership
Stewards can raise campus-specific concerns at APC Council meetings, ensuring that union leadership is aware of emerging issues.
What Can’t Stewards Do?
Handle Higher-Level Grievances
While stewards can file Level 1 grievances at the campus level, they shouldn’t handle Level II or Leve III – (Arbitration) grievances, which escalate to the CSU Chancellor’s Office and potentially to the California Public Employment Relations Board. These cases are handled by APC Labor Relations staff.
Represent Members in Skelly Hearings
If an employee faces serious discipline, such as suspension or termination, they are entitled to a Skelly hearing. However, APC Labor Relations representatives should represent members at these hearings.
Making Decisions on Behalf of APC
Stewards act as representatives, not decision-makers. Stewards are strongly encouraged to consult with APC Labor Relations before filing grievances to ensure alignment with broader union strategy and to prepare for possible escalation. They cannot approve contract changes or policy modifications.
Force HR to Act
While stewards collaborate with HR to resolve issues, they cannot dictate HR actions. If HR does not resolve an issue satisfactorily, the steward’s role is to escalate the matter through formal grievance procedures.
Confidentiality & Member Support
Stewards handle sensitive workplace concerns and must balance confidentiality with the need to escalate issues when necessary. Conversations with members are confidential unless the member explicitly allows the steward to share information with other stewards or HR.
However, stewards can discuss trends or general concerns with APC leadership and other stewards without sharing identifying details to help improve responses to similar issues in the future.
If a steward feels unable to assist a member due to conflict of interest or discomfort, they can refer the employee to another steward on their campus.
The Role of Stewards in the APC Community
Beyond grievance handling, stewards are responsible for keeping members engaged and informed.
- Holding chapter meetings to update members on APC news.
- Encouraging participation in APC elections.
- Recruiting new members to strengthen APC’s presence on campus.
While the role requires commitment, stewards have a direct impact on workplace conditions and play a critical part in maintaining a strong, well-represented Unit 4 workforce.
Final Thoughts for Members
Stewards are the first points of contact for workplace concerns, contract enforcement, and member advocacy. They volunteer their time to ensure that APC members have representation and support when they need it most.
If you have a workplace issue, grievance, or question about your rights, reach out to your campus steward for guidance. Their role is to support you, provide clarity on contract provisions, and ensure that your concerns are addressed fairly.
APC thanks the dedication of all the Stewards who serve to assist the members and make our union stronger.
Find your campus steward here.