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Union Representative

This is a professional level position that is responsible for providing a broad array of technical and administrative services to affiliated bargaining units, local union officers and union members in the process of carrying out the representational duties of the union. Incumbents may be headquartered in the Salem office or in field offices located throughout the state.

The following knowledge and skills are required:

• A thorough understanding of public sector unionism and labor law with emphasis on collective bargaining and contract administration, including grievance and contract arbitration experience.
• Knowledge of the structure, functions and personnel policies of local government jurisdictions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to exercise initiative, prioritize projects and to function effectively under general supervision.
• The ability to organize and manage a large volume of information and to operate an office.
• The ability to gather, analyze and interpret complex data and information from a variety of sources.
• The ability to speak clearly, concisely and persuasively to groups of people.
• The ability to prepare clear and concise written correspondence, reports and briefs.
• The ability to bargain using various methods, including traditional and collaborative, with cooperative and anti-Union employers in the public and private sector.
• Proven ability to work harmoniously with others and to maintain satisfactory relationships with others involved in the collective bargaining process and the public.

The duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Carry out the programs of the Council and International in assigned locals and work areas.
• Organizing:
  • Developing and maintaining organizing contacts within the assignment area.
  • Initiating and conducting organizing campaigns when and where appropriate, including initiating, preparing for, presenting and following through on any unit determination hearings that may be necessary before the Employment Relations Board (ERB) or the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
• Collective Bargaining:
  • Analyzing the collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) of locals and suggesting bargaining proposals to strengthen such agreements.
  • Reopening contracts in a timely fashion and drafting such bargaining proposals as may be adopted by the membership.
  • Scheduling bargaining meetings with employers as necessary and serving as the union's spokesperson during negotiations.
  • Advising, assisting and making recommendations to union Bargaining Committees during the collective bargaining process.
  • Initiating impasse resolution procedures when necessary, including preparing for, presenting and following through on mediation and arbitration cases under Oregon statutes.
  • Assisting affiliates in preparing for and conducting successful strikes when such situations occur.
  • Preparing and presenting negotiation summaries at contract ratification meetings.
  • Following through to see that contracts are signed and copies distributed following the ratification process.
• Contract Administration:
  • Advising union officers and members as to the proper interpretation of their collective bargaining agreements.
  • Assisting officers and members in the drafting of grievances. Serving as the union's spokesperson during the later stages of the grievance procedure.
  • Making recommendations on grievance appeals. Initiating, preparing for, presenting and following through on grievance arbitration cases.
• Miscellaneous Litigation:
  • Initiating where necessary, preparing for, presenting and following through on various types of litigation involving affiliates before the ERB or the NLRB (e.g. unit clarification cases, declaratory rulings, unfair labor practices, etc.)
• Local Union Administration:
  • Advising and assisting local union officers in administrative functions or problems. Serving as the liaison between local union officers and the appropriate Council/International Union officials and/or departments.
• Legislative and Political Action:
  • Lead and carry out the legislative and political action programs of the union within the assignment area.
• Miscellaneous:
  • Other duties related to carrying out the mission and/or the policies of Council 75 as assigned by the Director or Field Services Director.

This position reports to and receives direction from the Program Manager and/or Associate Director.

A great deal of traveling and night work is involved in this position. The nature and duties of this position will require the representative to be away from his/her family on a regular basis. Conventions, conferences, Executive Board meetings, organizing and political activity will require the representative to work occasionally on weekends. Must have a valid driver's license as this position requires site visits throughout the given area of the local(s) assigned.