Union Field Representative

Summary: Maine Service Employees Association, SEIU Local 1989, is seeking to hire an experienced

union representative to serve its affiliated local unions.

Description: MSEA-SEIU Local 1989 is a labor union representing over 13,000 public and private

sector employees throughout the State of Maine.

Duties:

1. Enforce represented-employee’s rights and interests under collective bargaining agreements
2. Investigate and analyze facts, prepare witnesses and case presentations, represent employees in investiga-tory meetings, disciplinary meetings, grievance meetings and at mediation and arbitration
3. Assist stewards and members in using all steps of the formal grievance process including administrative hearings and arbitrations
4. Identify, recruit, train and mentor union stewards
5. Identify, recruit, train and support member leaders
6. Engage membership in union activity including: identify worksite issues, organize and take worksite con-certed activity, implement contract campaigns, engage in political program, engage in public pressure campaigns
7. Recruit new members and assist with internal organizing
8. Develop and implement creative organizational strategies to build the local union and advance the interests of its members
9. Lead workers in contract negotiations and impact bargaining with public and private sector employers
10. Assist in planning and conducting educational programs
11. Other duties as assigned

Requirements;

• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of organized labor to build power for working people
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to relate to workers from a wide range of

backgrounds

• Ability to be self-directed, think on your feet, and solve problems creatively
• Ability to handle stress and juggle competing demands
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Ability to argue and advocate on behalf of represented employees
• Ability to work independently and follow strategic campaign plans
• Ability to organize work, manage a large and diverse representational workload, and meet frequent dead-lines
• Experience with advocating for union members and negotiating contracts strongly preferred
• Experience in developing leadership
• Experience with building worker power through organizing
• Proficient with computers, internet research tools, and Microsoft applications
• Experience with databases like VAN or UnionWare preferred
• Ability to write settlement agreements, contract language, reports and summaries, and to utilize databases
• Must be able to travel for extended periods, and to work long hours, including nights and weekends as needed
• Must have a car and a valid driver's license
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related field preferred