UAW Local 2322 is hiring a Union Representative/Organizer. UAW Local 2322 is based in Holyoke, Massachusetts. This position will involve some travel around the region.
The Union Representative/Organizer will primarily work with three bargaining units at UMass Amherst. These consist of GEO-UAW, RAPMU-UAW, and PRO-UAW. This is subject to change based on UAW 2322’s needs.
The Graduate Employee Organization (GEO) at UMass Amherst is one of the oldest and strongest graduate worker unions in the country. The membership prioritizes union democracy and assertively fights for the realization of a highly progressive social agenda. GEO has a long history (and expectation) of taking direct collective action as the best avenue to meet the needs of our exceptionally diverse and vocal bargaining unit.
The Resident Assistants and Peer Mentors Union (RAPMU) was formed in 2002 (with PMs joining the unit in 2014). It is the first union in the country to represent undergraduate workers in campus residence halls, and one of the few unions whose members are exclusively undergraduate student workers. RAPMU’s member-driven organizing model has enabled it to continue setting precedents and win significant gains in contract negotiations.
Postdoctoral Researchers Organizing (PRO) began organizing with UAW 2322 in 2009, and secured a first contract in 2012. They are one of the first unions of postdoctoral researchers in the country, and have set several important precedents during that time, including the incorporation of externally-funded fellows (i.e. not paid by UMass) in the bargaining unit. PRO is about to begin negotiations for their next contract.
Hours of work: Flexible full-time (40 hours) work schedule (can be long & unpredictable based on membership needs).
Job Duties include but are not limited to:
-Coordinating member-driven and member-lead contract negotiations
-Working with members and stewards to administer and enforce contracts, resolve disputes, process grievances, arbitrations and Unfair Labor Practices and using these as organizing opportunities
-Organizing and facilitating member trainings
-Identify, recruit, train and develop worksite leaders -Conduct new member orientations to organize new members
-Engage in internal member mobilization activities around workplace issues, and organize workers to address issues through collective action with a critical racial and gender justice lens
-Maintain regular and effective communication with workers
-Facilitate labor-management meetings in worksites
-Build and strengthen stewards networks
-Organize and participate in rallies, demonstrations, and meetings (including but not limited to: Joint Council meetings, stewards’ meetings, committee meetings, coalition meetings, etc)
-Participate in and recruit members to participate in legislative and electoral campaign activities -Develop fliers, posters, buttons, slogans and other campaign-related materials and items
-Help develop the Union’s message by talking to members, stewards and union leaders, and articulate this message among the membership at large
-Keep E-Board and Joint Council advised of any developments regarding potential problems, hot issues, and activities union needs to be involved in
-Managing electronic lists
Skills and Qualities Preferred:
-A demonstrated commitment to the labor movement and racial equity and justice
-Familiarity with human services and education workplaces
-Prior organizing experience with demonstrable successes
-Past union experience including collective bargaining, grievance handling, organizing (new and internal) and first contract campaigns
-Familiarity with labor and employment law
-Basic legal research experience
– Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, and conflict transformation skills
-Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to write quickly and succinctly
-Detail oriented
-Ability to work with and take direction from the Local President, Executive Board and Joint Council and members
-Creative and strategic thinker
-Self-motivated and able to work independently
-Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks
-Patience, persistence and flexibility
-Computer literate: email, Google Workspace, social media, word processing (Word), spreadsheets (Excel), internet usage
-A properly insured, registered vehicle and a valid Driver’s License is required
-Skills in languages other than English preferred
UAW 2322 values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, Black people, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, immigrants, and veterans to apply. UAW 2322 is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.
Starting pay rate: $1210 starting pay per week. Salary and benefits are generous and dictated by a staff CBA. Staff are represented by IWW 650.
To be considered please submit a resume and cover letter to hiring@uaw2322.org
We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis but priority review will be given to applications received by April 5th.