GEO Grievance Coordinator

When the University violates the contract, the procedure for seeking redress is the grievance process; the GEO Grievance Coordinator is responsible for managing this process.

The core responsibilities for this position are investigating potential contract violations, speaking to GEO members who feel their rights have been violated, filing grievances, attending grievance hearings, and monitoring the resolution of grievances.

Successful applicants will need to have a detailed familiarity with the GEO contract, be comfortable with administrative and legal procedures, and have a commitment to upholding the contract. Attention to detail, strong research and interpersonal skills, assertiveness and diplomacy in relations with University administrators, and persistence and ability to follow-through are essential for this job. Experience working with union contracts and knowledge of state labor laws is preferable, but not required.

Additional duties include, but are not limited to:

Chairing GEO’s Grievance Committee and recruiting members to this committee.

Educating members about the grievance procedure.

Organizing around grievances working with stewards while building a network.

Assisting with the process of organizing around successful grievances.

Contributing content to the GEO website, the weekly mass e-mail, and other media as appropriate.

Helping with office tasks as necessary.

All employees are expected to devote a portion of their paid working hours to office management tasks (i.e. holding office hours, answering phones, taking messages, in-taking grievances, greeting members who come into the office, etc.) and to attend meetings as required, including regular staff meetings. Some night and weekend hours may be required. All GEO employees should also demonstrate willingness to work towards the union’s collective goals and a commitment to being part of an organization that is fighting for progressive change on the UMass campus and beyond.

This position is for 20 hours per week for the 2010 Spring semester. The salary is the same as the average campus-wide stipend. GEO/UAW Local 2322 will provide training. People of color and women are encouraged to apply. We will pay for university health benefits, if necessary. In the past, all GEO staff employees who have needed tuition waivers have received them, but we cannot guarantee that this will continue to be the case.

Strong preference will be given to GEO members that have been active on campaigns and committees. All current graduate students are eligible to apply. Applicants should be committed to the general principles of social justice and collective action.

In order to apply, please submit:

A resume.
A cover letter stating the reasons you are interested in the position and your qualifications.
A completed GEO Staff Application Form (See Below).
Be prepared to bring proof of your student status to your interview (e.g. a letter from your GPD confirming your status).

Applications should be emailed to hiring@geouaw.org by Monday, January 11^th, 4pm.

GEO STAFF POSITION APPLICATION FORM

Name:        Home/Cell Phone Number:

Email Address:      Alternate Phone Number:

1. What kind of union activism, organizing, community or volunteer experience do you have? In what capacities have you been active with GEO?
2. Why are you interested in being hired for this position?
3. What skills do you possess that would be beneficial for this position?
4. Do you plan on having another assistantship or paid position that will require a significant commitment of your time? If so, please provide details of this position.
5. [OPTIONAL] Do you identify as a member of a protected class, which includes race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, ability, age and ancestry?