SEIU Local 26
 

Internal Organizer Lead
Janitorial

Based in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Metropolitan Area, MN

 

Background:
SEIU local 26 is a dynamic local of over 8000 janitors and security officers in Minnesota, the people who clean and protect some of largest corporate headquarters in the world and who have a proud history of militant fights for social and economic justice.

• Local 26 members were some of the first security officers in the country to go on strike and engaged in acts of strategic civil disobedience to win their last contract, and struck again in 2013 to raise standards within their industry across 2000 suburban and downtown officers.
• In 2016, 2020, and 2024 the janitors of the union, a multilingual bargaining unit made up of Latin American, East African, and American-born workers, went on strike, and created an alliance with the Sierra Club and other environmental allies to win a contract with some of the first Green Cleaning language in the country, and later a green cleaning education fund.

Description:
This position will lead a team of internal organizers for our union. The position will coordinate and be responsible to develop strategy and program for the Janitorial sector of 4000 members within the Local, including enforcement of the existing contract and the fight for the next one. Supervises front line organizers and brigades (members on short term leaves of absence), and may have direct turf. Worksite organizing and supervisory experience with low income, diverse workers, and computer skills, highly recommended.

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Building an extensive and comprehensive network of worksite leaders, member-activists; developing a member leadership program, working with staff and other members to identify, train and develop rank and file leaders;
• Recruiting and mentoring of new stewards, leaders and activists; Engaging in one-on-one persuasion, assessment and motivation of workers at the worksite, in meetings, on the phone and on home visits as necessary.
• Designing, preparing, and distributing meeting notices, flyers, newsletters, and other literature; including the use of social media.
• Maintaining organizing lists and databases;
• Planning and coordinating grievances, meetings and public actions to enforce contract language and win new contracts;
• Mobilizing membership and ensuring turn-out for community, political and union events;
• Leading the development of campaigns to further the interests of the members and the power of our union.
• Leadership development and skills building and daily supervision of the other organizers in this area.
• Working collaboratively with other union staff in other skill areas

Pay and Benefits:
This is a position beginning in the second quarter 2024. Pay is on a scale starting at $70,000. Healthcare and other benefits are included. A car and valid driver’s license are required.

Location: Minneapolis-Saint Paul Metropolitan Area, Minnesota.

Local 26 is an equal opportunity employer and, given our diverse membership, we particularly encourage applications from women and people of color, and candidates from our own membership.

This position strongly encourages English and Spanish fluency.

To Apply:
Interested applicants should send résumés to: bmendez@seiu26.org.