Remember , the more stewards we have in the workplace , the stronger our voice and the better we can represent our colleagues .”
© davidf via Getty Images
Is 2022 the year that you become a BAOT union steward ?
First , we ’ d like to wish you Happy New Year and we hope that 2022 is an altogether better year than both 2020 and 2021 .
The last two years have been incredibly tough . Many members have required support from their local BAOT / Unison stewards across a broad spectrum of issues , and , with the pandemic not yet over , combined with the many other challenges facing public services , this is likely to continue .
Our BAOT stewards come from a wide variety of backgrounds – from managers to support workers – and some job-share the role with a colleague .
A BAOT steward is someone who is a trained and accredited Unison steward , and a member of BAOT . They play a vital role in providing BAOT staff with a voice in the workplace . They act as a link between the members and their union and provide colleagues with advice and support when they need it the most .
And we always need more of them ...
What do stewards do ?
Being a steward enables you to represent your own views and needs , and those of your BAOT colleagues , during the many changes that happen in the workplace .
By being a steward , you can influence the way in which those changes take place , and , in some cases , whether they happen at all . BAOT stewards : distribute information , talk to members , and get their views ; recruit new members ; help members get advice on workplace problems ; and act as spokesperson or representative for their work group .
With training , experience , and support from your Unison branch , you will be able to represent members in grievance or disciplinary meetings and be involved in negotiations with your employer . But you can do as much or as little as you want .
As a BAOT steward you will be able to contribute to meetings where unions and management come together to discuss and negotiate employment matters including pay , terms and conditions , jobs , restructuring , service redesign and CPD .
You ’ ll learn many transferrable skills that can benefit your work as an occupational therapist , and , simultaneously , many of your skills as an occupational therapist are transferrable to being a steward .
14 OTnews January 2022