BCNU stewards are formally elected in September by the members of each worksite and the term of office is two years. Between elections, the steward team or regional executive may appoint new stewards.

Once elected or appointed, you must be registered as a steward with the BCNU provincial office. To be eligible for Basic Steward Workshop, you must take Building Union Solidarity (BUS) course . Both training workshops are fully funded and provided by the BCNU.

Steward Election Package (in printable PDF format)

How to Contact a Steward
Look on your BCNU bulletin board for steward names and contact details.
If you do not have a BCNU steward at your worksite, call the BCNU office for assistance. You could also contact your regional chair.

What’s the Role of the Steward
Stewards are the front line of BCNU, the "eyes and ears" of the union at the worksite. Stewards help encourage members to participate in BCNU. They exchange information with members and help them solve problems. They help members file grievances to protect their contract rights, or fill out Professional Responsibility Forms to protect patient care. Stewards help members organize campaigns on workplace or nursing issues.

How the Steward Team Works
Members in each worksite elect their stewards for two year terms. Larger work sites have a steward coordinator to lead the steward team, along with general stewards and occupational health and safety stewards.

When Stewards Contact an LRO
BCNU’s Labour Relations Officers (LROs) are available to offer your steward their contract expertise. Your steward decides whether or not an issue should be referred to an LRO.

How You Can Get in Touch With the Right Person to Help You
For all workplace concerns, contact your steward. If your steward can't help, or for all regional matters, contact your regional chair. For all provincial, national or union policy issues, contact members of the BCNU executive committee.

Steward Resources
Various forms, tools, instructions and fact sheets are available to stewards.