Union Representative (12 Months Temporary) - Kamloops

UFCW 1518; Kamloops; Hybrid; CAD 67,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent union organization in Kamloops is seeking a Union Member Representative to advocate for labor rights and support members through the bargaining process. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and flexible working arrangements, including the possibility of remote work. Successful candidates will have experience in union representation and knowledge of labor legislation, with additional benefits including health care and paid time off.

Benefits

Dental care

Extended health care

Flexible schedule

Paid time off

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of experience as a Union Representative.
• Experience with grievance handling up to arbitration.
• Ability to work effectively with people at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Handle grievances and represent members.
• Engage and orient new members.
• Maintain records and advocate for members.

Skills

Experience as a Union Representative or shop steward

Grievance handling

Understanding of labor legislation

Creative problem solving

Public speaking

Education

University degree or college diploma in Labour Studies or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

UFCW is looking for a Union Member Representative to join their growing team. 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. These positions are located out of and cover the Kamloops area and require travel to members and organizations.

Why UFCW 1518?

UFCW 1518 fights for fairness for its 27,000 members across diverse sectors, like community health, retail and industrial. Your contributions will be integral to championing workplace justice, increased wages, and better working conditions for everyone we represent.

What You Can Expect

As a joining member of our team, you can expect:

• Competitive compensation package to reward you and your contributions.
• Extended health benefits and dental plan to take care of you and your family.
• Flexible hybrid role with the chance to collaborate with colleagues and work remotely.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Grievance handling including researching; arguing and presenting grievances; arbitrations and Labour Board hearings; and other labour relations duties.
• Member representation including representing new members through first contracts; unit visits; establishing effective labour relations with management; and advocacy on behalf of members in various areas including health & safety, human rights, political action, duty to accommodate, grievance management, and collective bargaining.
• Member engagement, including orienting new members; developing and fostering relationships with members and non-members at work and in the community; recruiting and engaging members for union training; and other activities.
• Database reporting and accountability of work activities through logging and maintaining UFCW 1518’s member database with member information, interactions and labour-relations processes.
• Joint committees in the workplace including recruiting and training members to participate on these committees and ensuring compliance.
• Organizing unions: Connect with unorganized workplaces and campaign for certification by canvassing and educating workers about union membership.
• Collective bargaining and negotiation including participating in the union’s strategic bargaining discussions as needed; acting as a spokesperson in negotiations; working with member bargaining committees to research and develop bargaining proposals; reaching a written agreement; interpreting, administering and enforcing collective agreements.
• Education including mentoring and training of stewards and other workplace leaders; educating workers/members about union membership and other relevant topics.

What You Bring to the Table

• Experience:
• 3 to 5 years of experience as a Union Representative or shop steward.
• Experience with grievance handling up to arbitration.
• 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.

• Education requirements:
• University degree or college diploma in Labour Studies or any related field.

• Other requirements:
• You have a BC driver’s license and are able to drive a vehicle to travel throughout BC and Canada.
• 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.
• You’re an adaptable communicator and public speaker to earn trust, confidence, and respect of members in both friendly and hostile groups.

Nice to Haves

• Experience negotiating collective agreements.
• Experience presenting a case at arbitration.
• Experience working with UnionWare.
• Proficiency in English with fluency in a second language.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation: $66,497.60 per year

In addition to your salary, you will be eligible to participate in UFCW 1518’s health and dental benefits package (subject to standard waiting times) and Flexible work arrangement with the chance to collaborate with colleagues and work remotely.

UFCW 1518 is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. BIPOC, immigrants, women, and LGBTQ+ people are encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

If this sounds like what you’re looking for in your next opportunity, we want to hear from you! Internal applicants can apply by emailing their resume and cover letter to [e-mail]