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Station Stewards
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| By Winona Jones | ||||
| Two weeks ago John Hanley asked me to write an article about Station Stewards. John requested to receive the material, including pictures, ASAP. Knowing there was not enough time to interview all the Stewards, I devised a plan to randomly select some. I recruited the almost-5-year-old-twins to assist me. We cut out all the names from the inside front page of the Mainline. Then we put them into one of our favorite dress-up hats. We then took equal turns (a VERY important concept when your are only five) pulling the names from the hat. You will read the results of our selection. Incidentally, their favorite part of the plan involved the use of scissors. Ever since we had that “accident” when Maggie receive a haircut while Mom was in the shower and I was at the firehouse, the scissors have been banished to the top of the refrigerator.
Had the time been available I would have interviewed every Steward. Speaking with those I did confirmed for me what I had always suspected, Steward’s are a special group of individuals who care a great deal about their co-workers, the Union, and the Department. It was a pleasure interviewing each of them.
Why did you become a member of Local 798? I felt it was important to belong to our bargaining organization. Why did you become a Station Steward? I liked the idea of doing a service, and I thought it would be interesting. What does a Station Steward do? Goes to meeting, relays info, brings questions from members of the house to the meeting, organizes members for Union functions. Describe why you like being a Station Steward? Helps me stay apprised of Department & Union issues. What is the hardest part about being a Station Steward? Getting others organized for various Union functions, and commitments.
Why did you become a member of Local 798? I wanted to be a fuller, more participatory member of the department. In the event I needed help with a problem, I wanted to be able to seek guidance from Union officials. Why did you become a Station Steward? When I was assigned to Station 48 it was a new acquisition for the Department (Treasure Island) and there wasn’t a Steward. I wanted to help with the information that was being brought back to the firehouse. What does a Station Steward do? We attend meetings, take notes, and relay the information presented at the meeting back to the members at the firehouse. I think the Steward should post their notes on the Union board at the firehouse so every watch has an equal chance to read them. Additionally, we take the concerns of the members from the firehouse and present those at the meeting. Describe why you like being a Station Steward? I really like getting information first-hand; it certainly helps in quelling rumors. Being a Steward gave me the opportunity to get to know the Union officials. What is the hardest part about being a Station Steward? It is difficult to voice/raise issues that are “un-popular” or have a negative perception attached to them. * Dawn is no longer the Steward for Station 48, as she was reassigned to Radio and has moved out of town. However, she looks forward to the day when she will again represent her station as a Steward.
Why did you become a member of Local 798? The Union is the main organization involved with bargaining for our wages, benefits, health, and safety. I felt it was important to belong. Why did you become a Station Steward? I wanted to help relay important information back to the members at the firehouse. What does a Station Steward do? Attends the meetings, brings notes from the meeting back to the firehouse, acts as a liaison between the Union and the members at the firehouse, keeps current on the issues and events involving the Union and the Department. Describe why you like being a Station Steward? I like keeping informed and helping others to do so. What is the hardest part about being a Station Steward? It is sometimes difficult to find the time to attend every meeting.
Why did you become a member of Local 798? I wanted to have a voice in the bargaining unit. Why did you become a Station Steward? I found I wanted to become re-involved with Union activities and issues. What does a Station Steward do? The Stewards work with the Union a lot. We answer a lot of questions from the members and so we have to keep current on the issues the members feel are important. Describe why you like being a Station Steward? It gives me the opportunity I wanted to become more involved. What is the hardest part about being a Station Steward? I haven’t been a Steward very long. I think the hardest part will be bringing back difficult news to the members.
Why did you become a member of Local 798? I have always been in Unions. Before the Fire Department I was in the Electricians, the Plumbers, and I was a Teamster. I really believe in working together as a group. Why did you become a Station Steward? I wanted to get more involved. I had been a Steward in other Unions. I have lived the difference a Union can make. What does a Station Steward do? We take notes at meetings for the members, we share information with others. Describe why you like being a Station Steward? I like to keep informed and share that information with others. What is the hardest part about being a Station Steward? Giving so much of your own time for others can sometimes be difficult; however when I think of the many benefits we have attained through the hard work of the Union, well I guess that’s why I stay actively involved.
Why did you become a member of Local 798? I believe if we work together as a team we can get things done more efficiently. Why did you become a Station Steward? I have always tried to attend meetings. I think I was voted in as Station Steward when I was not present. What does a Station Steward do? We bring to the meeting questions and concerns that members have. We bring back all the information to the members at the station. If the Steward cannot attend it is his/her duty to try and get notes from another Steward. If I cannot answer questions I will call down to the Union office and try to get an answer. Describe why you like being a Station Steward? I can honestly say that I like coming back to the firehouse and relaying information to the members. What is the hardest part about being a Station Steward? Probably the hardest part for me is trying to distinguish the items from the meetings that I should record.
Why did you become a member of Local 798? I wanted to be member of the organization that is responsible for bargaining our benefits, wages, and health and safety issues. Why did you become a Station Steward? I wanted to get more involved, to attend more meetings, and volunteer more. I also wanted to become involved in the political and social activities. What does a Station Steward do? Attend meetings, present the minutes to the house members, keep the members informed, represent members involved in a grievance. Describe why you like being a Station Steward? I enjoy being involved and keeping informed. What is the hardest part about being a Station Steward? It is difficult to attend every meeting.
Karen Kerr, Station 21, member of Department since 1995 Why did you become a member of Local 798? I wanted to be a part of the organization that represents us. I wanted to help with positive change. Why did you become a Station Steward? The station needed a Steward, I wanted to help fill that need and get more involved. What does a Station Steward do? I like to keep current on issues and events, I like to stay informed. Sometimes, as a Steward I can gather support for issues I believe are important. Describe why you like being a Station Steward? I like to keep current on issues and events, I like to stay informed. Sometimes, as a Steward I can gather support for issues I believe are important. What is the hardest part about being a Station Steward? I would like to see the role of the Stewards more defined and more active in Union matters, besides just attending meetings.
Why did you become a member of Local 798? I wanted to participate in the process and have a say in the issues that concern all of us. The Union is the bargaining unit and I wanted to be a part of that process. Why did you become a Station Steward? I wanted to learn and contribute more. I saw what I thought was a need to improve communications, and I wanted to help in getting information to others. What does a Station Steward do? We attend the meetings. We are a conduit between the Union and the firehouse. We bring information to everyone regarding Union business and events. Describe why you like being a Station Steward? I enjoy the opportunity it provides me to help others and make things better. What is the hardest part about being a Station Steward? I really wish more members would get involved. It is sad that only about half the membership take the time to actually vote on important matters such as our contract. It can be uncomfortable when you get blamed for a Union position that someone disagrees with.
Why did you become a member of Local 798? I consider this a Union job, I feel it is important to belong to the Union. My father is a firefighter and I was brought up to know and appreciate the importance of a strong Union. Why did you become a Station Steward? I like to attend the meetings, I wanted to learn more, and as I say I was brought up with an appreciation of what a Union can do for it’s members. What does a Station Steward do? Bring notes and information back to the firehouse after the monthly meeting. Acts to assist house members with Union matters. Describe why you like being a Station Steward? I have not been a Steward very long, I am enjoying the responsibility and I look forward to learning more. What is the hardest part about being a Station Steward? I’m fairly new to the process, being so new is a challenge, but I’m really looking forward to it. |
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Brian Ballard, Station 25, member of Department since 1990
Dawn Dewitt, Station 48*, member of Department since 1995
Dan Gracia, Station 1, member of Department since 1989
Chris Emmons, Station 11, member of Department since 1989
Bob Territo, Station 2, member of Department since 1977
Terry Woo, Station 5, member of Department since 1989
Eileen McCrystle, BFI, member of Department since 1987
Ricky Yee, Station 37, member since 1993
Shirley Szela, Station 29, member of Department since 1997