Syracuse Teachers Association

Labor Relations Specialist

Based in Syracuse, NY

 

Title: Labor Relations Specialist, Syracuse Teachers Association
Salary: To be determined
Date: August 28, 2023

Overview:
The primary responsibilities of the Labor Relations Specialist are to promote the image and vision of the Syracuse Teachers Association and of NYSUT, NEA-AFT, and the American Labor Movement, advocate for members on behalf of the STA and its affiliates and the institution in which they work, support the mission of the STA, and provide services to the STA’s four bargaining units.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Work in tandem with STA officers and provide a crucial organizational role.
• Representation, organizational meetings, building representative training, negotiating, research, grievances, filing improper practice charges.
• Attending SCSD/BOE meetings as needed.
• Attending conferences and trainings.
• Assist the STA in maximizing member engagement and building its capacity to meet workplace needs of its members, engage in political action, community service, social justice and professional development initiatives and participating in regional, state, and national events.
• Develop and maintain a hands-on relationship with the Regional Office, other staff, and local affiliates; build, or assist locals in building coalitions that further the goals of STA, NYSUT, and their members.
• Engage in and support organizing of unrepresented and unaffiliated workers.
• Conduct labor relations activities including collective bargaining, contract administration and legal advocacy.
• Serve as the liaison with NYSUT and NEA-AFT.
• Demonstrate a commitment to additional learning and professional development.
• The LRS will conduct him/herself in a professional manner during interactions with colleagues, members, district staff, and related personnel and will abide by all STA policies.
• Other duties upon request

Qualifications:

• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills, including public speaking.
• Pro-union and advocate for the rights of working people
• Energetic self-starter
• Ability to establish and maintain positive work relationships with supervisor, co-workers, and others.
• Flexible regarding work responsibilities and working conditions.
• Willing to travel and work irregular hours.
• Bachelor’s degree or appropriate experience
• Ability to deal with electronic communications and social media.
• Flexibility regarding work responsibilities and working conditions.
• Willingness to travel and work irregular hours.

Hours of Work:
Due to the nature of the STA, a normal workday may or may not be 8 hours (with a minimum of 37.5 hours a week). Flexible scheduling can be used when appropriate and necessary, with permission of the President. Attendance at Representative Assemblies, Executive Board meetings (when required), BoE meetings (when required), NYSUT committee meetings, etc. are acceptable reasons for utilizing flex time.

Bargaining Unit:
The LRS is a member of the Teamsters Local 317. The individual LRS will be his or her own representative regarding terms and conditions of employment. The Teamsters contract will be available for review.

The LRS must complete a six (6) month probationary period.

STA- Who are we?
The Syracuse Teachers Association (STA) is a union representing teachers, teaching assistants, and school-related professionals in the Syracuse City School District, which serves the city of Syracuse, New York.

The union was founded in 1923 and is affiliated with New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). The mission of STA is to promote and advance the interests of its members while advocating for high-quality public education in Syracuse.

Some of the services and benefits that STA provides to its members include:

• Collective bargaining to negotiate salaries, benefits, and working conditions.
• Legal representation in employment-related matters
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Advocacy and lobbying for education funding and policies that support teachers and students.
• Networking and community-building among members

STA also works to promote social justice and equity in education, supporting efforts to eliminate discrimination and promote diversity and inclusion in schools.

Overall, the Syracuse Teachers Association serves as a collective voice for educators in Syracuse, working to ensure that their rights and interests are protected and that they have the resources and support they need to provide high-quality education to students.

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary will be negotiated based on experience.
• The LRS will be offered excellent benefits, including medical and dental insurance plans, disability plans, generous PTO plan and 401k match options.

To Apply:
Please submit a résumé and CV to Samantha Shattuck at: samshattuck@syrteach.org.
For additional information on the position, please email Samantha Shattuck at the above address.