Field Representative / Collective Bargaining

LOCATION: Northern California

RESPONSIBILITIES: This position will report tothe Collective Bargaining Coordinator under the supervision ofthe Area Director. This position is responsible for developingworksite leadership structures; handling grievances, arbitrations, and disciplinary appeals; recruiting new members; supporting members in exercising political power; participatingin organizing and political campaigns; and negotiating unioncontracts. Also responsible for organizing new groups of workersinterested in union representation and/or internal organizing andbargaining support campaigns. Responsible for preparing workplans, calendars, files, reports, and other records. Will berequired to work evenings and weekends. Not a “9 to 5” job.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: Recruitment: Accountable for working withunion leadership and stewards and recruiting new members toparticipate in union activities and political campaigns. Regular one-on-one contact with members will be required. Leadership Development: Develop and maintaineffective worksite leadership structures through the recruitment, training, and support of stewards and other unionleaders. Build stewards’ councils, issue committees, and otherleadership structures. Communication: Maintain regular and effectivecommunication with workers in assigned jurisdictions throughpersonal visits, flyers, newsletters, phone calls, mailings, bulletin board postings, and meetings. Respond to telephonemessages in a timely manner. Representation: Interpret collectivebargaining agreements and other relevant laws, codes, regulations, policies, and practices and assist union membersin understanding their rights. Provide assertive and preparedadvocacy, 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 ofhearings, including investigation and preparation of witnessesand exhibits. Assist union members in achieving informalresolutions of work-related problems. Collective Bargaining: Serve as chiefnegotiator or back-up negotiator for assigned bargaining units. Conduct bargaining surveys, salary surveys, and other researchactivities to strengthen the negotiating position of assignedbargaining units. Issue Campaigns: Participate in thedevelopment and implementation of effective industry strategiesand coordinated activities to raise standards. Identifysignificant worksite and/or departmental issues and developstrategies and tactics to effectively address them, includingpetitions, group grievances, work actions, media events, andlegal actions. Legislative and Electoral Campaigns: Participate in and recruit members to participate inlegislative and electoral campaign activities, includinglobbying, phone banking, letter-writing, door-to-doorcanvassing, and other activities. Administration: Maintain a calendar thataccurately documents past, present, and future activities, visits, and appointments in connection with work as a fieldrepresentative. Maintain accurate records, including activityreports. 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 contractproposals. 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 theunion. Dedication to improving the position of working people andstrengthening the role of organized labor in society through workactions, community relations, and legislative and politicalactivity. Ability to work effectively with members and staff fromdiverse ethnic, social, and economic groups.

EXPERIENCE: Experience in union organizing andrepresentation. Experience in negotiating contracts is highlydesirable, but not required. Must have experience in county andgovernmental areas. Related experience will be givenconsideration as will steward and rank-and-file experience. Local 1021 seeks to maintain a staff which is representative of a widevariety of backgrounds in order that the union truly reflects ourmembers’ interests and concerns.

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

SALARY AND BENEFITS: The current salary range is$78,336.45 – $128,664.51 based on qualifications and experience. SEIU Local 1021 offers a competitive and comprehensive benefitspackage. This position is open until filled; however, theposting/acceptance of applications may close at any time. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER SEIU Local 1021 is an affirmative action employer and encouragesapplications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexualorientation, marital status, religion, or disability. Local 1021 works to ensure fair treatment of applicants and employeesand actively enforces policies against discrimination and sexualharassment.