Organizer Representative, SEIU 221

About the position

The role of the Organizer-Representative is to organize, represent, and mobilize workers. Organizing is developing collective worker-power through base-building activities, including membership recruitment, leadership development, internal issue campaigns, external growth campaigns, political education, and committee leadership (e.g. organizing committees, contract action teams, community groups, etc.). Representation is expanding and enforcing the rights of workers through contract negotiations, impact bargaining, labor-management meetings, unfair labor practice charges, and grievances. Mobilizing is turning members out for union, community, and political campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Sustained strategic engagement and expansion of our base by connecting workers into a variety of activities related to organizing, representation, and mobilization.
• Develop members to become capable of executing important union roles ensuring members the chance to grow, learn and lead.
• Create and design new member roles that are connected to the Local Union's mission and draw upon and develop the talents and networks of members, so they become self-sustaining.
• Educate member-leaders and promote the Local Union's vision and related programs (Organizing, Politics, and Community).
• Conduct Labor-Management meetings, 'meet and confers,' chapter meetings, etc. in such a way as to optimize member participation and leadership.
• Where appropriate, negotiate contracts and plan and execute contract campaigns with maximum member participation and leadership.
• Represent workers collectively and individually, including formal communications with employer representatives and informal troubleshooting/resolution of workplace issues.
• Where appropriate, recommend and assist with the filing of ULPs/UPCs, grievances, and other actions necessary for contract enforcement and campaign organizing, especially when doing so is designed to increase membership involvement or union strength in a worksite or at the bargaining table.
• Map and chart worksites, including leadership networks and structure tests, for both internal and external organizing campaigns.
• Develop worksite campaigns based on group issues identified by workplace leaders and other points of contact, including all departments of the Local.
• Assess and develop potential member-leaders and activists identified through workplace organizing and other points of contact, including other departments of the Local.
• Use strategies and tactics that promote class-consciousness and advance struggles against racism, sexism, homophobia, ageism, ableism, and other forms of discrimination.

Requirements

• Ability to lead, motivate and inspire members to develop into leaders and participate in key union programs (i.e. politics, organizing, bargaining).
• Demonstrated understanding of organizing and how it can be used to empower members and ensure superior outcomes in workers' lives.
• Ability to take initiative and be creative in developing new roles for members and non-union workers within the Local Union and provide the support needed to be successful.
• Sound interpersonal and communication skills appropriate to providing a quality member experience including the ability to establish and cultivate respectful relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Working knowledge and understanding of collective bargaining issues and principles of representation and contract enforcement.
• Ability to develop member leaders to deal with worksite issues.
• Sound organizational skills to manage and prioritize work subject to deadlines in a dynamic and changing environment, as an individual and as a member of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to formulate and deliver on short-term and long-term member development and capacity building goals.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on staff union contract provisions.
• Car allowance.
• Health care.
• Dental insurance.
• Prescription coverage.
• Vision insurance.
• Retirement plans.
• Vacation/time off policy.