As an elected representative, what should I consider when recruiting a new manager?
Questions raised should relate to staff issues and trade union cooperation. I recommend that you talk to the members affected by the new manager in case they have any specific questions they would like to ask.
Here are some examples of areas that you can ask about as a shop steward:
- The person's views on trade union work? What previous experience does the person have?
- The relationship with the union at the previous workplace? Give examples of how they worked together.
- The person's experience and knowledge in developing and managing staff.
- Views and experience on skills development. Examples of such work in previous roles.
- How the person's leadership promotes a good working environment?
- How the person views being available to employees in the managerial role?
- How managers should act in the event of cooperation problems, conflicts, ill health, etc. Previous aftermath, examples of how it was handled.
- How to act if you have to implement a decision that you know will not be appreciated by the employees.
These questions must of course be adapted to the type of managerial position in question.