We are looking for 2 additional shop stewards (1 shop steward and 1 alternate shop steward) from our Local 403 membership to be shop stewards at Burnaby Mental Health (Fraser Health Authority). As this is an interim election, the successful candidates will serve for the remainder of the current term. Please consider nominating yourself or another member to be a shop steward. I look forward to receiving your nominations and working with you to resolve issues and concerns in your workplace!

The deadline for nominations is November 7, 2019 by email at [email protected] or in person at any BCGEU office (attention: Jennifer Arnold, LMAO). You may also give your nomination form to your current shop steward, Tara Mclean at [email protected].

What do stewards do? Stewards provide support and advice to members who think they are being treated unfairly. They make sure new employees sign union membership cards and provide information on BCGEU services. Stewards conduct ratification votes and elections and keep members informed by distributing BCGEU communication.

What skills do I need to be a steward? Stewards are well-organized, good listeners, problem solvers and team players. They have good communication skills and want to help others.

Is there training for new stewards? Yes! Stewards are eligible for paid union leave from work to take steward training every year at their area office. The BCGEU also offers workshops on human rights, facing management, and accommodating disabilities at the workplace.

How do I become a steward? Steward elections are informal. A union member from your workplace must nominate you using the Steward Nomination Form. 

Who conducts elections? Your current shop steward, Tara Mclean, will conduct the vote, if necessary, at the workplace. Only union members can vote so make sure you have signed a card. Membership cards are available at the BCGEU area office and from your current shop steward.

Please let me know if you have any questions about your workplace, your current collective agreement, or how to get your nomination in for consideration. We can only make a difference together when we work as a team. If we have more nominations than steward positions, there will be a vote at the workplace.


In solidarity,

Jennifer Arnold
Staff Representative


Download PDF of notice here.
Download PDF of nomination form here.

UWU/MoveUP