Numsa shop stewards hold office for four years. The last shop stewards elections were held in 2007. Numsa is busy going to all companies where it has members so that members can elect new shop stewards (or re-elect those that have done a good job). This process must end by October 31 2011. Read below for the principles that govern these elections.
Minimum principles for shopsteward elections 2011
* Principle number 1: Participation
Only those members eligible in terms of the relevant provisions of NUMSA constitution and policies (e.g. fulltime shopsteward policy) set out by the union’s constitutional structures may participate, nominate and or be nominated and vote in shopsteward elections. NUMSA locals and regions are in possession of these documents.
* Principle number 2: Arbitrary exclusion is excluded
No member may arbitrarily be excluded from participation in shopsteward elections.
* Principle number 3: Gender transformation
It is important to take into consideration when nominating and voting that we are committed to gender transformation of the leadership ranks of the union. It is important to identify and give female comrades an opportunity to lead as shopstewards.
* Principle number 4: Prohibition of campaigning
Instead of campaigning for oneself, a shopsteward is a union member in good standing who without any undue influence is identified by workers amongst themselves to advance the union agenda to lead and represent workers efficiently and effectively. A member who is campaigning for himself/herself or has a team to do that is therefore not only breaking the traditions of the workings of the union and the principle of working class leadership but at the same time shows ill-discipline. Such campaigning, associated posters, pamphlets and any other material in any form including electronic form are strictly prohibited in shopsteward elections.
* Principle number 5: Accountability
A good NUMSA shopsteward does not serve the interests of management and service providers. A good NUMSA shopsteward is accountable to and serves members and their union. Members’ interests come first in the thinking, conduct and way of doing things of a good NUMSA shopsteward. A good NUMSA shopsteward is not selfish and at all times manages to avoid the temptation of putting himself/herself or self-interest to the front of his/her operation as a shopsteward. A good NUMSA shopsteward is the one who subordinates his/her personal interests and ambitions to the interest and wishes of members.
* Principle number 6: Member participation in the union’s life
Members must not only nominate and elect shopstewards but must also hold them accountable by ensuring that factory/workplace general meetings take place as the NUMSA constitution requires. Members must participate in these meetings to shape, direct and guide the work of shopstewards and ratify their decisions. Members must be directly involved in the life of the union, in developing and taking forward the union’s campaigns and programmes.
If your workplace has not elected new Numsa shop stewards, contact your nearest Numsa office for assistance.
Source
Numsa Campaigns