Field Representative

Field Representative
East Bay (Posted 10/03/2023)

SEIU Local 1021 was founded in 2007 when ten local unions cametogether in Northern California to form one larger, more powerfulunion. Together our members are building a true 21st centuryunion fighting to empower and improve the lives of our members.We are 54,000 strong – organizing and representing public serviceworkers in cities, counties, courts, schools, privatenon-profits, special districts, public health care, and nursing.We are looking for energetic, hard-working staff who arecommitted to real change, who believe in the value of work andthe value of public services and who want to be part of the teamthat wins for workers, their families, and their communities.

LOCATION: East Bay

RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the supervision of theArea 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 with unionleadership and stewards and recruiting new members to participatein union activities and political campaigns. Regular one-on-onecontact with members will be required.

Leadership Development: Develop and maintaineffective worksite leadership structures through the recruitment,training, and support of stewards and other union leaders. Buildstewards’ councils, issue committees, and other leadershipstructures.

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 collective bargainingagreements and other relevant laws, codes, regulations, policies,and practices and assist union members in understandingtheirrights. Provide assertive and prepared advocacy, handlegrievances, appeals, requests for hearings, and other formalpersonnel matters on behalf of union members. Aid attorneys andother union staff in the preparation of hearings, includinginvestigation and preparation of witnesses and exhibits. Assistunion members in achieving informal resolutions of work-relatedproblems.

Collective Bargaining: Serve as chief negotiatoror back-up negotiator for assigned bargaining units. Conductbargaining surveys, salary surveys, and other research activitiesto strengthen the negotiating position of assigned bargainingunits.

Issue Campaigns: Participate in the developmentand implementation of effective industry strategies andcoordinated activities to raise standards. Identify significantworksite and/or departmental issues and develop strategies andtactics to effectively address them, including petitions, groupgrievances, work actions, media events, and legal actions.

Legislative and Electoral Campaigns: Participatein and recruit members to participate in legislative andelectoral campaign activities, including lobbying, phone banking,letter-writing, door-to-door canvassing, 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; mustbe 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 from diverseethnic, 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. Local1021 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 validCalifornia 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$72,433.15 – $118,968.57 based on qualifications and experience.SEIU Local 1021 offers a competitive and comprehensive benefitspackage.

TO APPLY: mail, fax or e-mail a cover letter,detailed resume and the name, address, and phone number of threereferences to Kathryn Ballard, SEIU Local 1021; 29th Street,Oakland, CA 94609, fax to (510) 893-2395 or e-mail your coverletter, resume and references to jobs@seiu1021.org. Pleaseindicate in your cover letter which position you are applyingfor.

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. Local1021 works to ensure fair treatment of applicants and employeesand actively enforces policies against discrimination and sexualharassment.

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