ARTICLE 16
UNION STEWARDS
SECTION 1. The Company recognizes the right of the Union to designate Shop Stewards, one (1) Shop Steward and one (1) Alternate. The Union shall notify the Company in writing of the names of the Shop Stewards and alternates at the time they are appointed. The authority of job stewards and alternates designated by the Union shall be limited to, and shall not exceed, the following duties and activities:
- The investigation and presentation of grievances with the Company, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement; and
- The transmission of messages and information, which originate with and are authorized by the Union or its officers, provided such messages and information:
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- Have been reduced to writing and signed by an authorized Union officer who is not employed by the Company; or
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- If such messages and information have not been reduced to writing, are of a routine nature and do not involve work stoppages, slowdowns, refusal to handle goods or any other interference with the Company’s business.
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Shop Stewards and alternates have no authority to take strike action or any other action interrupting the Company’s business, except as authorized by the official action of the Union and not in violation of this Agreement. Violation of this clause shall be cause for immediate discharge. Any steward appointed after the effective date of this Agreement shall be permitted to spend no more than two (2) working hours per week without loss of time or pay on processing and presenting grievances. The Union related activities of the job stewards and alternates, as defined above, shall not interfere unreasonably with the regular or assigned duties of those employees.