Emiliana Sparaco is a California-based labor organizer and union representative with more than two decades of experience advancing worker representation, collective bargaining, and organizing strategy. Over the course of her career, Emiliana Sparaco has led bargaining and representation programs, coordinated organizing campaigns, and developed training and onboarding materials that support worker leadership and long-term union growth. Her work has included guiding employees through union elections, contract negotiations, grievance processes, and issue-based campaigns that focus on wages, benefits, and workplace protections.
In addition to workplace representation, Emiliana Sparaco has played a significant role in political and community organizing, contributing to campaigns that advanced paid sick leave, minimum wage increases, and expanded voting access. She has worked with multiple labor organizations, including SEIU locals and IFPTE, where she helped manage periods of rapid membership growth. Emiliana Sparaco also volunteers with civic and nonprofit organizations and completed the Labor Relations Certificate Program at Cornell University, reflecting a continued commitment to professional development and ethical labor advocacy.
The Role of a Union Representative
A union representative, also called an employee representative, shop steward, or labor union representative, is a formally designated employee who serves as the key link between members, the union, and management. This position is central to labor relations and dispute resolution, and it strongly shapes labor-management dynamics, workplace efficiency, and the organization’s future, earning such professionals the title “cornerstone of the union.”
A union’s rules and applicable agreements govern a union representative’s appointment. Union members typically elect them in their local chapters or unit. They usually need nominations, and once chosen, the union formally notifies the employer and equips the representative with the guidance and training needed to carry out their duties.
A union representative’s principal duty is to represent members fairly and effectively in employment matters within the workplace. They serve as a resource for members regarding any issue, whether personal or professional. Representatives actively advocate for fellow members and may speak on the workforce’s behalf when employer propositions could adversely affect union members.
Additionally, they help uphold and apply contractual terms by taking part in investigatory meetings and grievance procedures defined in employer-union agreements or established practices. They ensure that both management and employees follow the collective bargaining agreements’ and employment contracts’ provisions. In disputes, they file and pursue grievances involving issues such as unfair treatment, working conditions, duties, scheduling, or pay.
They also safeguard members during disciplinary proceedings. Representatives monitor these processes to ensure fairness and may defend employees against unjust actions. Labor rights standards commonly hold that an employee must be given sufficient time to contact their representative before management imposes discipline.
Furthermore, a union representative must adhere to relevant laws, union rules, and sound workplace relations practice. They should cooperate with management to implement agreements correctly, use proper dispute-resolution procedures, and avoid unauthorized actions that could disrupt operations. They should prioritize safe and efficient workplace functioning and seek guidance from full-time union officials when needed.
The roles within the representative network are often specialized, depending on a union organization’s structure. While the general union representative or steward carries out statutory workplace duties.
Union representatives have their protections. To begin, they shouldn’t be subject to dismissal, detrimental job condition changes, and unfair treatment, or be singled out for redundancy because of their role. If management intends to take any action that could harm their employment status, it must first consult with the relevant union. Employee representatives also operate on equal footing with management. This status gives them greater leeway to question or challenge management decisions than an ordinary employee would have. Importantly, an effective union representative models ethical, professional conduct and focuses on improving the workplace for everyone rather than pursuing personal goals.
Additionally, employers must provide the practical support representatives need to fulfill their responsibilities efficiently, taking into account the organization’s size and resources. This includes reasonable time off for union duties and training, provided it is requested in advance and not withheld without good reason.
Moreover, representatives must gain access to the areas where they represent members and to the relevant management levels without unnecessary delays. Similarly, the management should allow them to post notices and distribute union materials in agreed-upon locations.
About Emiliana Sparaco
Emiliana Sparaco is an experienced labor organizer and union representative with more than 20 years of experience in worker advocacy, collective bargaining, and organizing strategy. She has led negotiations, built worker leadership programs, and supported organizing campaigns across multiple sectors in the United States. Emiliana Sparaco has worked with labor organizations including SEIU and IFPTE and has been recognized for her contributions to the labor movement, including receiving the J.C. Turner Award for Outstanding Trade Unionist of the Year.
