This model has been used as a predictor of health problems. In the present study, the demands-control-support model has served as the basis for the assessment of occupational strain. Relevant workshops/training should be mandatory to all shop stewards upon appointment. The study found that shop stewards faced the following challenges: role ambiguity, emotional immaturity, emotional weakness, pull me down syndrome, work-family conflict, lack of experience on culture, acts, policies and procedures, inability to learn, prolonged working hours, role overload, accidents and deaths, and victimisation. The data was analysed manually using a content analysis technique. The data was collected by way of interviewing twenty (n=20) shop stewards from the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (NEHAWU) and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) using semi-structured interview questions. Since this study was exploratory, a qualitative interpretivist study was undertaken. Although Tustin and Geldenhuys (2003) noted and recommended that similar studies be conducted, the topic is still under-researched in the South African context. The Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model was used as the theoretical framework for the study. The literature review revealed that shop stewards from different demographics, types of shop stewards and unions face different challenges. The objective of this study was to explore the challenges faced by South African shop stewards in terms of their age, gender, tenure, education levels, marital status, type of shop stewards and sector. Measures to facilitate their work can include training, supportive networks and access to adequate information technology, and can further be targeted with regard to age/experience and gender. Therefore, they should reeive increased attention when dealing with the problems of unions. En the eyes of union members the shop stew ards largely emb ody the ui on organizati on. On the other hand, the results indicate differences with regard to the ulnion affilation, age, experience and gender. Shop stewards generaly experience a situation characterized by inherent conflict and wide-ranging tasks, resulting in high demands on their skills and in role overload. ![]() However, lees than half of the reported problems were related to direct contact with the employer. It is found that the basic components of union work remain stable, in spite of rent labour relations changes and national differences. This article is based on data desribing recent experiences of Swedish shop stewards, and it compares their situation to that desribed in the international research literature. If shop stewards already experien a demanding work situation, and parallel to this the overall union conditions become aggravated, a next step would be to find out in what ways their situation can be facilitated. They occupy a position desribed s demanding, which involves striking a balance between conciliation and tough negotiation, between ordinary work and union work, and feelings of isolation from members. When unions worldwide confront a decline in density and power, pressure increases on shop stewards.
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