Temporary Field Representative

Seiu49; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 76,054 - 124,917; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

A labor union organization in California is seeking a dedicated field representative responsible for developing worksite leadership structures and negotiating union contracts. The ideal candidate will possess experience in union organizing, represent union members in grievances, and participate in political and legislative campaigns. The position requires strong communication skills and a commitment to improving the role of organized labor. A valid California driver's license and automobile for business use are mandatory. Salary ranges from $76,054.81 to $124,917 based on experience.

Qualifications

• Experience in union organizing and representation is required.
• Familiarity with county and governmental areas is important.
• Negotiating contracts is highly desirable but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain worksite leadership structures.
• Handle grievances and assist union members in understanding rights.
• Serve as chief negotiator or support for bargaining units.
• Participate in legislative and electoral campaigns.
• Maintain accurate records and activity reports.

Skills

Teamwork

Oral and written communication

Analytical skills

Time management

Judgment and prioritization

Resource utilization

Dedication to labor

Diversity awareness

Job description

Location

Oakland and San Francisco

Responsibilities

This position will report to the Collective Bargaining Coordinator under the supervision of the Area Director. It is responsible for developing worksite leadership structures; handling grievances, arbitrations, and disciplinary appeals; recruiting new members; supporting members in exercising political power; participating in organizing and political campaigns; and negotiating union contracts. It also organizes new groups of workers interested in union representation and/or internal organizing and bargaining support campaigns, prepares work plans, calendars, files, reports, and other records, and works evenings and weekends—no 9‑to‑5 schedule.

Examples of Duties

• Recruitment: Accountable for working with union leadership and stewards and recruiting new members to participate in union activities and political campaigns. Regular one‑on‑one contact with members will be required.
• Leadership Development: Develop and maintain effective worksite leadership structures through the recruitment, training, and support of stewards and other union leaders. Build stewards’ councils, issue committees, and other leadership structures.
• Communication: Maintain regular and effective communication with workers in assigned jurisdictions through personal visits, flyers, newsletters, phone calls, mailings, bulletin board postings, and meetings. Respond to telephone messages in a timely manner.
• Representation: Interpret collective bargaining agreements and other relevant laws, codes, regulations, policies, and practices and assist union members in understanding their rights. Provide assertive and prepared advocacy, handle grievances, appeals, requests for hearings, and other formal personnel matters on behalf of union members. Aid attorneys and other union staff in the preparation of hearings, including investigation and preparation of witnesses and exhibits. Assist union members in achieving informal resolutions of work‑related problems.
• Collective Bargaining: Serve as chief negotiator or back‑up negotiator for assigned bargaining units. Conduct bargaining surveys, salary surveys, and other research activities to strengthen the negotiating position of assigned bargaining units.
• Issue Campaigns: Participate in the development and implementation of effective industry strategies and coordinated activities to raise standards. Identify significant worksite and/or departmental issues and develop strategies and tactics to effectively address them, including petitions, group grievances, work actions, media events, and legal actions.
• Legislative and Electoral Campaigns: Participate in and recruit members to participate in legislative and electoral campaign activities, including lobbying, phone banking, letter‑writing, door‑to‑door canvassing, and other activities.
• Administration: Maintain a calendar which accurately documents past, present, and future activities, visits, and appointments in connection with work as a field representative. Maintain accurate records, including activity reports.

Skills, Aptitude, and Commitment

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• High‑level ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• Analytical skills necessary to interpret contract language, investigate, and process grievances, and prepare contract proposals.
• Ability to work under pressure and with minimal supervision; must be well organized and self‑motivated.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discern priorities.
• Ability to make effective use of resources available to the union.
• Dedication to improving the position of working people and strengthening the role of organized labor in society through work actions, community relations, and legislative and political activity.
• Ability to work effectively with members and staff from diverse ethnic, social, and economic groups.

Experience

Experience in union organizing and representation. Experience in negotiating contracts is highly desirable but not required. Must have experience in county and governmental areas. Related experience will be given consideration as will steward and rank‑and‑file experience. Local 1021 seeks to maintain a staff that reflects the diversity of our members.

Requirements

Must possess a valid California driver’s license; must pass a DMV check and have a good driving record; must have auto insurance that covers business driving (minimum coverage of $100,000 per person/$300,000 per incident of bodily injury liability/$50,000 property damage liability, and list SEIU Local 1021 as an “additional insured” or “interested party” in order to trigger notification in the event the policy is cancelled); and must possess an automobile for business use.

Salary and Benefits

The current salary range is $76,054.81 – $124,917.00 based on qualifications and experience. SEIU Local 1021 offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package.

Affirmative Action Employer

SEIU Local 1021 is an affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability. Local 1021 works to ensure fair treatment of applicants and employees and actively enforces policies against discrimination and sexual harassment.