Public Employee Press

Labor democracy in action: Local 2054 elects stewards

After emerging from trusteeship in March, College Assistants Local 2054 has continued building its strength and democracy by holding shop steward elections on all CUNY campuses.

The local scheduled two to three elections a week in May and early June for members to choose the shop stewards who will represent them at the City University of New York's 23 campuses.

"These elections are great," said Local President Dishunta Meredith. "In the past, local leaders appointed shop stewards, but we recently amended the constitution so rank-and-file members on site elect who they want to represent them."

"Shop stewards play a key role in resolving members' workplace issues and disseminating information. They are a vital link between District Council 37, local leaders and members," said Keith Clarke, the DC 37 Rep for the local, which is part of the council's White Collar Division.

Now the stewards are hard at work mobilizing members for DC 37's June 14 City Hall rally against budget cuts and layoffs.

"Many of the local's stewards have been re-elected, and we have a few who are new to the position," Clarke added. "With all the training and preparation they receive to promote members' interests and coordinate worksite meetings, we count this group as real activists."

To keep members abreast of its activities, the local has also launched a newsletter and a new website, www.local2054.org.