Question

Differentiate among the business agent of a local union, a shop steward, and an international union representative. How do their roles differ?

Answer 1

Answer:

See explanations below

Explanation:

Business agent of a local union is basically a title, which is associated with being a chosen representative of a local union. A business agent is an employee of a union(paid employee), appointed to be its representative, who is expected to protect at all times the interest of its members and also act as the link between the chapter and other representatives in other union. He represents the larger interest of the local union such as representing members during disciplinary hearings, agreeing on memorandum of understandings etc.

A shop steward is the face of a union in an organization. He is an employee of a company, but he is elected to be the union representative on various issues such as work related issues and other issues. He ensures that work related issues and other grieviances between his members and the company are resolved amicably. He scheduled a meeting with the supervisors or management of a company and represent the interest of his members at all times.

An international union representative is an elected union representative, who liases with other union representatives in other countries on best global practises regarding workplace issues faced by its members. They share ideas on how best to resolve work related issues faced by employees and also assist local officers in negotiations and in administering labor agreements.