Council Representative

Description

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 Portland office. This position will be primarily focused on the Legacy professional and technical units - prior hospital/medical representation a plus. 

Required Education and Experience

• A qualified candidate will have a Bachelor's Degree in labor studies or industrial relations; or a Bachelor's Degree involving major study in business or public administration, social sciences or allied fields and two years experience in handling personnel matters, possession of a ULEAD certificate from LERC, service as an AFSCME union steward, union officer, temporary organizer or other part-time or temporary paid union staff work.

OR

• Four years experience in handling personnel matters, service as an AFSCME union steward, union officer, temporary organizer or other part-time or temporary paid union staff work; or two years paid experience as a union advocate with experience as an organizer or collective bargaining chief negotiator may be substituted for the above requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

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.

Duties and Responsibilities

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

• Identifying, recruiting, and developing worksite leaders and move workers into action

• Develop and implement effective campaigns to win good union contracts and worksite issues

• Use analytical skills to interpret contract language, investigate and process grievances, prepare contract proposals and bargain contracts

• Bargain contracts, develop MAT teams, and run contract campaigns - first contract negotiation a plus

• Committed to work that involves long and irregular hours, including nights and weekends

• Carry out the programs of the Council and International in assigned locals and work areas.

• Lead collective bargaining, which includes:  

  • 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/Enforcement:  

  • 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.

• 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.

  • Recruit and support members engaging in political activities in their area and/or lobby days at the capitol

Personal Attributes

• Personal Integrity:  Demonstrated by honesty and candor in dealing with others, and the ability to develop trust with union members and officers, Council administrative staff, employer representatives, neutrals, elected officials and with political and community organizations.

• Self-Confidence:  The ability to project a positive self-image through effective written and oral communication.

• Assertiveness: The ability to forthrightly state the union's position in a variety of emotionally charged forums.

• Decisiveness: The proven ability to make timely decisions based on sound reason and available data.

• Listening Skills: A responsive listener who can understand, accept and work cooperatively with the union and Staff as well as diverse groups involved in collective bargaining and political advocacy.

• Commitment to Empowerment: A belief in the philosophy of rank and file involvement in the union and the empowerment of individual workers through the collective bargaining process.

• Conflict Management: The ability to deal with a variety of personnel problems, including the ability to resolve conflict to communicate openly and to encourage consensus when appropriate.

• Flexibility: The ability to focus on the overall mission of the union in the face of changing external and internal environments.

• Initiative: The ability to be a self-starter, and to effectively manage and prioritize a heavy workload under general supervision.

• Professionalism: Persons in this position will present themselves in a professional manner and appearance at all times.

Supervision

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

Working Conditions

• 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 may require the representative to work occasionally on weekends.

• Must have a valid driver's license as this position requires site visits throughout a large geographic area of the local(s) assigned.