SEIU Local 32BJ

Field Representative

Based in Lehigh Valley, PA

 

SEIU 32BJ is at the forefront of building the nation’s labor movement. 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 non-union workers to win the union, supporting progressive candidates for elected office and moving a broad policy agenda, such as racial and 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 13 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.

32BJ SEIU’s headquarters are in New York City.

The Mid-Atlantic District of 32BJ is seeking a Field Representative to work in public sector bargaining units spread throughout Eastern Pennsylvania. This is not an office job, and the expectation is that the Union Rep is at worksites daily interacting with the membership. 32BJ is open to training the right candidate who may not currently be able to execute all the duties and responsibilities

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. 
• Conduct Labor Management meetings.  
• Draft meeting agendas with leaders.  
• Facilitates a relationship between the steward and front-line supervisors/managers
• Identify and develop Shop Stewards and member leaders across assigned worksites – including designing and conducting trainings.
• 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.
• Conduct membership meetings on site.
• Work with leaders to sign up and maintain membership – this includes signing up employees on membership cards and ensuring correct data 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Working knowledge of collective bargaining and contract administration.
• Willingness to be trained to draft proposals, lead negotiations, running contract campaigns, and ratify contracts.
• 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
• Willing to drive long distances as needed
• 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 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
The salary for this role is $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 – Lehigh 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