Field Representative

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 are committed 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.

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; participating in 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 be required 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 participate in union activities and political campaigns. Regular one-on-onecontact 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. Buildstewards’ councils, issue committees, and other leadershipstructures.

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 telephonemessages in a timely manner.

Representation: Interpret collective bargaining agreements and other relevant laws, codes, regulations, policies,and practices and assist union members in understanding theirrights. 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-related problems.

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

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

Legislative and Electoral Campaigns: Participate in 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;must be well organized and self-motivated.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discern priorities.
• Ability to make effective use of resources…