Union representative

A union representative, union steward or shop steward is an employee of an organization or company who represents and defends the interests of her/his fellow employees but who also works for a trades union.

Ordinary members of the union are elected to this position by fellow workers or sometimes by appointment of a higher union body. While working as a representative, they keep their role as an employee of the company.

As a result, the union steward becomes an important link and source of information between the union leadership and ordinary workers.