Organizer-Representative

Purpose

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.

The Organizer-Representatives will be assigned to one or more of the following areas of responsibility. Assignments are made by the Chief of Staff and are subject to change based on the needs of the Local.

• Internal Organizing/Collective Bargaining
• External Organizing/Strategic Campaigns
• Political Organizing/Community Coalitions

The Organizer-Representative performs a wide range of duties, which may vary according to the needs of the overall program or a specific campaign. Examples of those duties and responsibilities are listed below:

• Sustained strategic engagement and expansion of our base by connecting workers into a variety of activities related to organizing, representation, and politics
• 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 roles.
• 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 development
• Where appropriate, negotiate contracts and plan and execute contract campaigns with maximum member participation and leadership engagement.
• 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 Union
• Assess and develop potential member‑leaders and activists identified through workplace organizing and other points of contact, including other departments of the Local Union
• Use strategies and tactics that promote class‑consciousness and advance struggles against racism, sexism, homophobia, ageism, ableism, and other forms of discrimination.

* All staff may be assigned other duties not included in this job description as required by the organization.

An Organizer-Representative must be able to organize their time, and develop and carry out plans with minimum supervision. They must also be able to receive direction from and interact with their immediate supervisor and/or their designated Lead when it becomes necessary.

The Organizer-Representative will be evaluated on their ability and skill in assisting the Local Union to meet its goal of organizing and representing workers successfully. Among other criteria, s/he will be evaluated on the ability to:

• Engage members
• Identify and develop leaders
• Map member relationships and interests and align them with the overall goals of the Local Union
• Move campaigns and take initiatives on promoting strategies
• Competently and professionally represent members
• Exercise sound judgement and make…