Who is a shop steward?

A shop steward is an elected representative of employees in a union. This role is crucial within the labor movement, as shop stewards serve as the bridge between the union membership and the union leadership. They are responsible for representing the interests of fellow employees in workplace issues, including grievances, contract negotiations, and ensuring that workplace rights are upheld.

Being an elected representative means that the shop steward is chosen by their peers to advocate on their behalf, which empowers employees and fosters a sense of collective bargaining. They often handle disputes that arise at the workplace level and can provide support and resources to union members.

This role contrasts with the other options, which pertain to different responsibilities and roles within labor relations or legal frameworks. For example, professional negotiators typically work for employers, managing negotiations from the employer's perspective, whereas managers overseeing labor relations focus on implementing and maintaining policies from an organizational standpoint. Government officials monitoring labor laws have a regulatory function and ensure compliance with legal standards rather than representing employee interests directly within a union structure. Thus, the choice that accurately defines a shop steward reflects the advocacy and representation role essential for fostering labor relations in a unionized environment.