What Are Committees?
Many people commonly associate a union Local with a collective of workers, stewards, and their elected representatives. However, one of the vital elements within a union structure is the presence of committees. Local committees are formed by individuals who share common interests, and their primary role is to influence the decisions made by elected officials, foster community involvement, organize unions in new workplaces, establish more intimate connections with the membership, and much more.
These committees are concentrated on specific issues, which allows passionate individuals to actively contribute without the need to hold positions as stewards or elected officials (although you may be both). Many of these committees directly engage with employers, such as those focused on health and safety, or they participate in political activities aimed at advocating for workers' rights on local, state, and national levels. This involvement can encompass interactions with politicians or the development of laws and regulations that benefit the represented workers.
If you are interested in organizing, community engagement, advocating for improved working conditions, etc. there is a committee suitable for you. We encourage you to explore our list of committees and get in touch with the committee chair if you wish to join. Active participation from our members is crucial for the growth and strength of our union.