ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the relationship between members and shop stewards in terms of representation of interests. It suggests that there is a trade union agenda which has developed over time and which is not defined and set in the individual workplace. The shop stewards saw their role as representing particular groups in the workforce in particular ways. It is evident that some shop stewards had the ability to stand immediate workplace divisions, yet were resistant to dealing with issues that specifically affected women workers. Shop stewards and branch officers may be in a position to transcend sectional workplace interests and develop a more collectivist approach to members' problems. The chapter aims to demonstrate that there is a limited range of issues raised by women members with their trade unions. It discusses the disjunction between the experience of the workplace and what was happening in the union branches became even greater when the issues of race, racism and racial discrimination.
