Shop steward, work-site representative, building rep--these are some of the terms used to describe a very important position in the local union structure. The member who fills this role is the union's front-line representative at the work site.

While they vary from local to local, among the typical roles and responsibilities of a union work-site representative are:

• Problem solver: The representative is responsible for identifying and solving the job-related and personal welfare concerns of the union members at his or her work site. To resolve problems, the union representative meets with management at the work site. The union rep also makes sure that the working conditions and rights outlined in the union contract are followed.
  
• Communicator: Two-way communication between the union member at the work site and the local union's leadership is key to a successful union. The work-site representative is a vital link. He or she listens to members' concerns, suggestions and problems and communicates this information to the local union leaders. The representative also communicates information from the union's leadership back to members at the work site.
  
• Organizer: The work-site representative is responsible for recruiting members and volunteers to support the union's work on behalf of its members. He or she recruits members for union committees, political action activities, union-sponsored social and workplace issue activities, and to serve as union representatives on employer-sponsored committees at the workplace.
  
• Workplace leader: Mobilizing members--the union's most valuable asset--to address problems or issues either at the workplace or in the broader community is another responsibility of the work-site representative.