Welcome to Toolbox, a new column that will be helping our members better understand the ins and outs of our contracts.

 

 

The leadman at my job site keeps contradicting the foreman. What should I do?

There are only four classifications of workers covered by our contract: apprentice, journeyman, foreman and general foreman. There is no “leadman” or “lead person.”

Still, union members in the Building Trades hear this title all the time. Sometimes workers who want to be leaders dub themselves “leadmen.” Other times a foreman will informally deputize a journeyman as a “leadman.”

Whatever the situation, it’s breaking down our hard-earned contract. When we sat down at the bargaining table, we negotiated specific salaries and job titles. “Leadmen” have all the responsibility of supervising and directing work activities, yet none of the compensation of an actual foremen. It’s just a cheap way for an employer to squeeze more productivity out of its workforce. Instead of delegating out work, the employer should really be hiring more foremen.

It also disrupts the chain of command. The foreman and general foreman are the only people with the authority to give directions. Introducing a “leadman” creates chaos and confusion. This brings us back to the question: What happens when a “leadman” gives you a different set of instructions from your foreman?

You need to speak up and explain that there’s a process built into our contract how work is assigned and delegated. You have a responsibility to follow the orders of your foreman.

If you can’t reason with the crew, speak to your job steward. And if you do not feel comfortable with any of those choices, call the Union Hall at (408) 225-3030 and ask to speak to one of your elected Business Agents. It’s important that we all be vigilant and give the Local the chance to resolve any issues on the job. We’re not only protecting our contract, we’re protecting one another.