SEIU Local 32BJ

Field Representative

Based in the Hudson Valley District of New York

 

ABOUT US:
At the forefront of building the nation’s labor movement, 32BJ SEIU is changing the narrative around important social and economic issues facing working families. Founded in 1934, 32BJ is the largest union of property service workers in the nation. We have a powerful and important mission: To build and grow a diverse, effective, politically independent and democratic organization of workers to change our lives for the better, improve our communities, and build a more just society for present and future generations.

With a commitment to building power for low-wage workers, 32BJ is engaged in winning strong contracts for members, organizing workers, supporting progressive candidates for elected office and moving a broad policy agenda, such as immigrant justice, organizing rights, affordable housing, increasing minimum wages, and expanding access to health care.

The union has approximately 450 staff in sixteen offices from Boston to Miami. 32BJ SEIU represents over 185,000 property service workers including janitors, security officers, airport workers, and food service employees in 11 states and Washington, D.C. 32BJ is an affiliate of SEIU, the Service Employees International Union, which has 2 million members dedicated to raising industry standards and making life better for all working families and communities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with union stewards to educate and inform members of their rights and responsibilities under their Union contract
• Addresses workplace issues raised by members. Works with the member and steward to clearly identify a given issue, recommend and facilitate a path to a solution. Determines whether the issue rises to the level of a grievance
• Handles members’ grievances, from initiation through resolution. Understands the contract, including what constitutes a grievance, time limits, and processes of grievance handling. Tracks steps in the Union’s tracking system (CRM) and updates the member
• Educates members about the benefits of union membership and the importance of participation in politics
• Works with member leaders to mobilize members to participate in contract, organizing and social justice campaigns
• Identifies and recruits individual members who can take on leadership roles including union stewards, and work with member leaders to develop their skills 
• Develops and maintains relationships with employers to effectively represent members and enforce the union contract
• Effectively negotiates the resolution of grievances and workplace problems with management 
• Facilitates a relationship between the steward and front-line supervisors/managers
• Identify and develop Shop Stewards and member leaders across assigned worksites.
• Expanding the activist base by engaging members in district-wide and union-wide initiatives.
• Supporting organizing campaigns among non-union workers within our industries.
• Connecting member leaders to broader social and economic justice movements.
• Setting goals and measuring progress, developing work plans for their turf, and holding themselves and their member leaders accountable.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Working knowledge of collective bargaining and contract administration.
• Experience drafting proposals, leading negotiations, and running contract campaigns.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in organizing, mobilization and involving people in action
• Ability to work independently and manage competing demands
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and diverse beliefs
• Valid driver’s license and a car in working order is required
• Ability to work nights and weekends when needed
• Experience as an active union member strongly preferred
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to the labor movement and broader social justice work.
• Ability to build respectful, effective relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency in basic administrative and computer skills, including MS Word, Excel, email, and database tools.
• Willingness to conduct site visits and house visit workers at their homes.
• Preferable: Bilingual in English and Spanish.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: 
The salary for Field Representatives starts at $68,834. 32BJ offers a generous benefits package that includes a fully employer-paid medical, dental and vision plan (for full-time employees and their qualified dependents) and retirement benefits, including a defined benefit pension plan and 401K. 32BJ offers paid time off including three weeks’ vacation, eleven holidays, twelve sick days, and, after the first year of service, four personal days. A weekly travel allowance is also provided. The union currently offers a remote work policy of one remote day per week at the discretion of the manager.. 

APPLICATION:
Please send a résumé and letter of interest to: HR@seiu32bj.org. Please use “Field Representative – Hudson Valley” in the subject line of your email.

32BJ is an inclusive and diverse organization, committed to advocating for social, racial, and economic justice. We promote diversity and strongly encourage applications from people who believe in our mission. We strongly encourage women and people of color to apply.