Member Representative

UFCW 1518; Kelowna; Hybrid; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health and dental

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

UFCW 1518 is seeking a full-time temporary Member Representative for a 12-month contract to support members in Kelowna and surrounding areas. The role focuses on defending workers’ rights through grievances, bargaining support, and member engagement.

You will report to the Senior Director, Bargaining & Services, and work to promote fair representation, provide education, and sustain positive labor relations. Fluency in English, with Punjabi as an asset, is noted as beneficial.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of experience as a Union Representative or steward.
• University degree or college diploma in Labour Studies or related field.
• Knowledge of labour legislation (BC Labour Relations Act, OHSA, Employment Standards Act).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and document uploads.

Responsibilities

• Handle grievances and present at arbitrations and Labour Board hearings.
• Represent members and engage with stewards, management, and the community.
• Engage in member recruitment, training, and union education.
• Maintain UFCW 1518 database with member information and processes.
• Support collective bargaining and draft proposals with bargaining committees.
• Organize unions by canvassing workplaces and promoting membership.

Skills

Union representation

Public speaking

Relationship building

Adaptive communication

Leadership

Education

Labour studies degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

At UFCW 1518, we believe that we are stronger together. Everyone deserves safe and respectful working conditions and a healthy community. By continuing to win fights for fairness, organize workers in diverse industries, and support causes that benefit communities, we work together to improve the quality of life for all British Columbians.

Position Summary

We are looking for a full-time temporary Member Representative to join our team on a 12-month contract. The successful candidate will be assigned to service UFCW 1518 members in Kelowna and other areas as assigned.

UFCW 1518’s Member Representative works on the front lines to engage members, stewards, and activities to defend and promote the rights of workers. Reporting to the Senior Director, Bargaining & Services, you will deliver fair representation, support, and education to members as they navigate the collective agreement and bargaining process.

Key Responsibilities

• Grievance Handling. You’ll have the opportunity to research, represent and present Stage I & II Grievances at arbitrations and Labour Board hearings.
• Member Representation. Foster relationships with workers, management, and the community with workplace visits. You’ll earn the chance to foster positive labor relations and advocate for members when it comes to health & safety, human rights, political action, and duty to accommodate.
• Member Engagement. Leverage your leadership capabilities to mentor and train stewards, recruit new members and deliver union training.
• Database Reporting & Accountability. Track and proactively maintain UFCW 1518’s database with member information and labor-relations processes.

Other Responsibilities

• Collective Bargaining. Act as a spokesperson in negotiations and strategic bargaining discussions. You will work with member bargaining committees to research and develop bargaining proposals, while interpreting, administering, and enforcing collective agreements
• Projects & Joint Committees. Draft contracts for upcoming projects and union representation. Use your expertise to ensure compliance and recruit members for participation on Joint Committees.
• Organizing Unions. Connect with unorganized workplaces and campaign for certification by canvassing and educating workers about union membership.

What You Bring to the Table

• 2 – 5 experiences as a Union Representative and/or steward
• University degree or college diploma in Labour Studies or any related field.
• Understanding of labour legislation and processes, such as BC Labour Relations Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, and Employment Standards Act.
• Technically versed in Microsoft Office Suite, performing Internet and Intranet searches, and uploading documents.
• You have a BC driver’s license and are able to drive a vehicle to travel throughout BC and Canada.
• You’re an adaptable communicator and public speaker to earn trust, confidence, and respect of members in both friendly and hostile groups.
• Ability to work effectively with people at all levels within the union, employer groups, and other organizations.
• You’re a natural leader with the ability to inspire, engage, direct and mentor both members and employers.
• Ability to leverage creative problem solving, risk assessment and critical thinking to work independently with little supervision.
• You’re an active listener that responds in a decisive, positive, and proactive way to member issues and concerns.
• Experience at the bargaining table and achieving settlements.

The role requires discretion, political judgement, and a broad understanding of the labour movement in British Columbia.

Proficiency in English with fluency in Punjabi considered an asset.

This position offers an hourly rate ranging from $32.61 to $43.25 per hour in accordance with the CBA, along with extended health & dental benefits, and a healthy work-life balance in a hybrid work environment.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

UFCW 1518 is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. People with disabilities, BIPOC, immigrants, women, and LGBTQ2S+ people are encouraged to apply. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process by contacting [e-mail].