What is Your Role as a Union Member? A Practical Guide to Staying Involved
Updated 4/30/26
What’s New
This updated post breaks down what being a union member actually looks like in your day-to-day work life. It connects the bigger picture of union strength to simple, practical actions you can take right now—whether it’s staying informed, supporting coworkers, or speaking up. If you’ve ever wondered how your role makes a difference, this version makes it clearer, more relatable, and easier to act on.
The most important thing to know about your union is that YOU are the union. A union is only as strong, effective, and powerful as the members who participate in its operation and activities. The best way to exercise that power is by being informed, involved, and active in your union.
Being a union member isn’t just about having a contract—it’s about playing an active role in strengthening your workplace. Whether you’re new to the union or have been a member for years, understanding your role helps build power, protect gains, and improve conditions for everyone.
You don’t have to do it all, but every member can take just a few simple steps to make your union more powerful and effective. These steps include, but aren’t limited to, the following:
Read your contract and keep it handy – Your contract spells out your rights and benefits at work and represents the focus of your union’s activity.
Submit ideas for contract proposals – When contracts come up for renegotiation, members have the opportunity to submit proposals for upcoming contract negotiations. This is your opportunity to suggest changes and new ideas to improve your workplace and your union contract.
Ask questions – If you are unclear about what your contract says, or what your union is doing to address an issue, reach out to a Union Steward or Representative. Each store or plant has Stewards available. If they don’t have the answer, they can connect with your Union Representative to get it.
Attend meetings or trainings – UFCW 227 has in person quarterly membership meetings at locations across our area, in addition to, monthly training opportunites (both in person and virutal) all year long.
Read newsletters, emails, and updates – Our union works hard to keep members informed through newsletters, social media, and email. Review these updates so you know what’s going on, and make sure your contact information is current so you don’t miss anything.
Participate in union activities – As your union works on your behalf, there are many opportunities to get involved. Participate as much as you can—every action helps strengthen the union.
What this looks like day-to-day
Being an active union member doesn’t mean doing everything—it can be as simple as:
Asking questions when something doesn’t seem right
Helping a coworker understand their rights
Taking part in votes or surveys
Staying connected to union updates
Even small steps help build a stronger, more united workplace.
When members stay engaged, it leads to stronger contracts, better enforcement, and a more united workplace. Your participation—no matter how big or small—makes a real difference.
Remember, the union is you.
