Discuss the role of the union steward in the grievance procedure.

Since the union steward is generally the first person to hear about an employee's grievance, the steward has substantial influence on the grievance process. A steward can encourage an employee to file a grievance, suggest the problem is really not a grievance, or informally resolve the problem outside the grievance procedure. The personalities of stewards may, in fact, influence the number of grievances filed. Because stewards are selected from the ranks of employees and may have little knowledge of labor relations, the unions should train them to improve their effectiveness.