Artifact- A description of the skills I have developed from sitting through

investigative interviews with the union.

Situation- Part of my job as a union steward is to be part of investigative
interviews. These interviews are conducted when management feels a carrier
has done something that could lead to possible discipline. During these
interviews I am able to use my skill of studying and observing.
Task- In the interviews it is my job to listen to the questions being asked to the
carrier and to take notes. This job gives me the opportunity to study the
situation and gain a better understanding of what happened. Through simply
observing the interview I am able to see the best direction to take to defend the
carrier if discipline is issued.
Action- The action in this case is very simple, I just place all my concentration on
listening and making sure I make note of everything that is said. For such a
simple task, it has taken me years to develop these skills. This ability is
important so I can eliminate being distracted by the things that don’t matter and
place my focus on the important facts of the situation.
Results- Through using my skills of studying and observing has allowed me to
be able to develop the proper defense for a carrier who is facing a issue that can
lead to discipline. By developing these skills I am able to be a better steward and
a better member of my community. This is because I am able to view situations
from the proper perspective leading to the ability to plan proper solutions and
solve difficult problems.

Artifact- A description of how I prepare to argue a discipline case for the union.
Situation- After an investigative interview has been conducted in most cases the
next step is discipline being issued to the carrier in the form of letter of warning,
a written suspension, or a notice of removal. When one of these types of
discipline has been issued I have 14 days to prepare and file a grievance on the
behalf of the carrier for which the discipline has been issued. This allows me to
use another skill I have developed over the years and that is my ability to plan.
Task- On issues of discipline, the burden of proof is placed on the member of
management that issued the discipline. Therefore, it is my job to view all of the
evidence and ensure that the discipline is warranted. Through careful planning I
then take the information I find and create several arguments.
Action- After careful planning it is then my job to meet with management and
make sure that they have properly met the burden of proof. From that point I
either attempt to make an argument to defend the carrier against the allegations
if I feel the burden of proof has not been met or I mitigate the charges if I feel the
burden of proof has been met.
Results- By planning for every situation that may arise I am able to properly
represent the carrier in need. No matter the situation, proper studying and
observation, followed by careful planning leads to solving the problem

Artifacts- A description of how I interact with a carrier when they have a

problem and need a union steward.
Situation- When carriers find themselves in a situation where they have either
been accused of doing something wrong or have had their contractual rights
violated, they need a steward to help remedy the problem. These moments
allow me to use my problem solving skills.
Task- When a carrier comes to me for any reason they may possibly feel
violated, then I have to work to find a solution to their problem. When
presented with these type situations, the first thing I start with is reading the
contract to see if there is a violation. Next, if there is a violation, I gather as much
information as I can to build a case in order to solve the problem. Finally, I
present the information to management and take whatever steps necessary to
find the proper remedy.
Results- If I properly study and observe the situation, carefully plan the action
necessary to present my case, and use the information that I have gathered, I can
usually find a remedy to the problem. I have found that problem solving is based
around the skills of studying, observing, and planning. Through the combination
of all the skills I have developed through my job as a union steward, I am able to
determine whether or not a carrier has a problem and if so how to solve it. The
ability to solve problems has been one of the most important skills I have
developed.