Steward organization in a professional union: The case of the royal college of nursing

This article examines notions of renewal in a professional union by exploring the developing role of the steward in the Royal College of Nursing. Drawing on survey and other data, it assesses different dimensions of the union renewal process linked to workplace activities, issues and relations. The findings suggest that the process of renewal has been based primarily upon member rather than management-facing activities, although there is strong evidence to suggest variation in the activities carried out by the RCN's ordinary and senior stewards.