Union Organizer
A Union Organizer is responsible for mobilizing and coordinating workers to join and support labor unions, typically involving negotiation, advocacy, and education about workers' rights.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Union Organizer
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Union Organizer role is designed for passionate individuals looking to advocate for workers' rights and interests. As a Union Organizer, you will be at the forefront of union campaigns, engaging with workers, building membership, and promoting workplace improvements through collective bargaining.
Required Skills
- Strong advocacy and persuasive skills
- Excellent organizational abilities
- Ability to work independently and in a team
- Good negotiation and conflict-resolution skills
- Comfortable with public speaking and presenting information
- Basic computer competence, including use of word processing and spreadsheets
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Labor Relations, Political Science, or related field preferred.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends when necessary.
- Basic understanding of labor rights, labor law, and the unionizing process.
- Valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively.
Responsibilities
- Identifying and mapping out workplaces that can benefit from unionization.
- Conducting outreach to workers to inform and educate about the benefits of a union.
- Organizing and leading informational meetings and discussions with workers.
- Assisting in the coordination and execution of union campaigns.
- Supporting workers through the process of forming or joining a union.
- Collecting union dues and maintaining accurate member records.
- Collaborating with senior organizers and labor leaders to develop strategies.
- Ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a Union Organizer, you will be responsible for mobilizing workers, fostering solidarity, and building the power and membership of the union. This role requires a strong commitment to labor rights and the ability to effectively communicate and negotiate on behalf of union members.
Required Skills
- Solidarity-building and mobilization
- Strategic planning and tactical execution
- Strong negotiation and conflict resolution
- Effective communication and public speaking
- Labor law and workers' rights expertise
- Membership recruitment and engagement
- Data management and record keeping
Qualifications
- 2-5 years of experience in labor organizing or a related field
- Knowledge of labor laws and workers' rights
- Experience with campaign planning and execution
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to resolve conflicts and negotiate effectively
- Experience leading meetings and public speaking
- Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends
Responsibilities
- Identify and engage workers in conversations about their rights and the benefits of union membership
- Build strong relationships with workers and recruit new union members
- Develop and execute strategies for union campaigns
- Organize and lead meetings, protests, and other actions to promote labor issues
- Educate workers on their legal rights and the union's collective bargaining process
- Coordinate with union leadership and other organizers to align on objectives
- Negotiate with employers on behalf of union members
- Maintain records of organizing activities and membership information
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Senior Union Organizer to lead our efforts in promoting labor rights and advocating for workers' interests. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in union organizing, collective bargaining, and driving strategic labor campaigns. This role requires a highly motivated individual capable of working with diverse groups, managing complex negotiations, and influencing policy change.
Required Skills
- Effective organizing and planning
- Strategic leadership
- Strong interpersonal and networking abilities
- Analytical and research skills
- Persuasive communication and public speaking
- Complex problem solving
- Knowledge of organizing software and databases
- Resilience and adaptability in dynamic environments
Qualifications
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in union organizing or a related field.
- Extensive knowledge of labor laws, collective bargaining, and worker rights.
- Strong leadership and management skills.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
- Experience with campaign strategy, planning, and execution.
- A track record of success in growing membership and mobilizing workers.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team.
- Willingness to work unconventional hours and travel as necessary.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement strategies for union organizing campaigns.
- Build and maintain relationships with workers, union members, and other stakeholders.
- Conduct research and analysis on labor market trends and employers' practices.
- Educate and mobilize workers around labor rights and the benefits of unionization.
- Negotiate collective bargaining agreements with employers on behalf of union members.
- Represent the union in legal proceedings and public hearings.
- Serve as a spokesperson for workers and the union in various forums.
- Coordinate with national and international labor organizations for broader campaigns.
- Lead training sessions for local organizers and volunteers.
- Monitor and ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations.
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