Recognition and Rights of Stewards The Employer recognizes the Union's right to select stewards to represent employees. The Employer and the Union will agree on the number of stewards, taking into account both operational and geographic considerations. The Union agrees to provide the Employer with a list of the employees designated as stewards. A xxxxxxx shall make every effort to perform the duties of a xxxxxxx outside of normal working hours. If this is not possible, a xxxxxxx, or her alternate, shall obtain the permission of her immediate supervisor before leaving her work to perform her duties as a xxxxxxx. Leave for this purpose shall be without loss of pay. Such permission shall not be unreasonably withheld. On resuming her normal duties, the xxxxxxx shall notify her supervisor. The duties of stewards shall include:
(a) investigation of complaints of an urgent nature;
(b) investigation of grievances and assisting any employee whom the xxxxxxx represents in presenting a grievance in accordance with the grievance procedure;
(c) supervision of ballot boxes and other related functions during ratification votes;
(d) carrying out duties within the realm of safety responsibilities, these being recognized as complaints of an urgent nature which require immediate attention;
(e) attending meetings called by the Employer.
