Guild Leader

The way I see it, Lord Tevenic, is that the alternative to dealing with me is dealing with them, and I'm here because they're of a mind to burn the council hall to the ground with the council still inside. If you recall, they built the place; I think they remember where your little escape tunnel comes out.

No matter how it is organised internally, each trade guild requires a representative to act as a speaker for its members' interests. In many parts of Erwā, a Guild Leader is also a member of an advisory or city council, able to report on the issues facing working citizens.
Due to their role in protecting their members' interests, a Guild Leader is rarely a popular figure outside their guild, but their experience means that they can expect their opinion to carry weight. Trade disputes may lead to a decline in popularity and, in recent times, media hostility; the position of Guild Leader is not one best filled by people who wish to be liked. The respect afforded to a Guild Leader varies widely, even within countries. Leaders of older cities and countries, especially those with an aristocracy or strong class system, often resent having to deal directly with 'jumped-up tradesmen', whereas newer cities and Republics tend to regard them with more respect.
Among their guildhall and members, the Leader is an authority figure and ultimate responsibility for the guild and the hall lies with them. A good Guild Leader will endeavor to put personal quarrels aside and handle matters fairly, and they are not above being subject to a formal complaint.

Qualifications

Any guild member of the rank of Master, who is in good stead with the guild (ie: not subject to active discipliniary measures, not barred from holding office, and not in arrears) can stand in the election to become a Guild Leader.

Appointment

Elections are held every five years, and any guild members who are resident in the city are permitted a vote. Some cities, especially thise with a large membership, prohibit Apprentices from voting, but this is not universal. For guilds with itinerant members, such as the Guild of Ratcatchers and Associated Trades, guild members wising to vote must provide proof of residence in the city for a minimum of six months if they wish to vote in an election held at a guildhall that is not the one that they are registered with.

Duties

The primary role of the Guild Leader is to represent their members' interests in city council meetings, advising other leaders of their members' working conditions and providing insight into the running of the city. A Guild Leader is expected to negotiate for better pay, working conditions, and safety standards for their members when necessary, and may also be called upon to resolve labour disputes. In addition to advising ministers and city officials, a Guild Leader is responsible for all aspects of running a guild or guild chapter, including but not limited to: arranging the upkeep of the guildhall, collection of membership dues, and communicating and enforcing changes to rules, membership requirements and codes of practice. Almost all guilds delegate these roles to a comittee or dedicated officer/s within the guild. These boards and officers may be elected or appointed by the Leader.

Benefits

Guild Leadership is a salaried role, funded by membership dues, and Leaders are not required to practice their craft for the duration of their tenure.

Type

Professional

Source of Authority

Elected

Length of Term

Five years