If you were an employee and member of the union, involved in initial labor dispute talks, you would be called:

In the context of labor disputes, a shop steward plays a crucial role as a representative of the union members within a workplace. This individual is typically an employee who has been elected or appointed to serve as an intermediary between the union membership and management. They are involved in initial labor dispute talks, helping to communicate the concerns and interests of union members and ensuring that their rights are upheld according to the collective bargaining agreement.

The shop steward is essential in addressing grievances and facilitating discussions around labor disputes, making them the appropriate term for someone involved in such negotiations. Their responsibilities include educating members about their rights, assisting in resolving workplace issues, and representing the employees in meetings or negotiations with supervisors.

While arbitrators and mediators are also involved in resolving disputes, their roles come later in the process and typically involve formal procedures to reach binding or non-binding agreements. A union agent is a broader term that may encompass various roles within the union but does not specifically denote an employee acting on behalf of the union in the workplace.