SEIU Local 32BJ

Associate Counsel for Bargaining and Employer Relations

Based in the Greater NY Area

 

COMPANY DESCRIPTION
32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers union in the country, representing more than 175,000 workers in various industries. Our members come from diverse backgrounds and are united in the fight for fairness and decency. We have a strong presence in twelve states and Washington, DC, with members working in residential buildings, commercial offices, airports, schools, theaters, and more. Our mission is to build a more just society through collective action and create positive change for working families.

ROLE DESCRIPTION
The Associate Counsel for Bargaining and Employer Relations plays a pivotal role in advancing the Union’s collective bargaining efforts in the greater NYC area. The Associate Counsel works closely with Union officers and field staff focusing on negotiation-related activities. These activities encompass the formulation of negotiation strategies, the development and drafting of proposals and representing the Union during negotiation proceedings. The position includes providing support and training for non-attorney staff regarding negotiations. The position reports to the Local 32BJ’s Director of Bargaining and Employer Relations for NY Metro.

Key responsibilities include:

• Analyzing current contracts in preparation for renewal negotiations
• Identifying wage, benefits and other issues for first contract and transition rider bargaining for newly organized units or locations
• Developing proposals and preparing for bargaining including:
  • Collecting information needed for bargaining from the employers, and analyzing information
  • Identifying benefits issues related to negotiations and coordinating with Union and Fund staff regarding proposal development, legal and policy issues related to benefits
  • Costing out proposals
• Working with field staff to solicit member input form bargaining committee and establishing a plan
• Formulating and drafting proposals with input from the Director of Bargaining and Employer Relations for NYM, division leadership, and field team partners
• Representing 32BJ at the negotiations table, including acting as Union spokesperson where assigned, and leading the bargaining committee

Duties include:

• In collaboration with division leadership and field staff, representing the Union at the bargaining table including presentation of Union proposals, responses to employer proposals, and facilitating presentations by members
• Analyzing employer proposals and working with Union bargaining committee to facilitate strategy discussions, develop responses and counterproposals, and advance the bargaining.
• Working with field staff, and staff in Research, and Communications, to develop plans for member action and other contract campaign activities in support of bargaining efforts
• Drafting memoranda of agreement and integrated collective bargaining agreements
• Drafting member communications regarding collective bargaining, including bargaining updates, contract highlights, etc.
• Working in coordination with Union and 32BJ Funds staff on matters related to contract implementation

QUALIFICATIONS

• A J.D. degree together with current admission and good standing to practice law in New York State
• 3-4 years of labor law experience representing unions, workers, Taft-Hartley benefits funds, and/or government worker protection agencies
• A demonstrated commitment to the advancement of the rights of working people and racial justice
• Strong knowledge of contractual issues, labor law, and bargaining policies applicable to a negotiation
• Employer relations, bargaining or contract enforcement experience
• Experience working with union members, managing a bargaining committee, and/or union membership development
• Ability to travel throughout the Tristate Region.

Qualified candidates must also have:

• Strong drafting skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Strategic planning skills with respect to a negotiation and campaign
• The ability to work independently, as well as in a team with other 32BJ staff across departments
• Clear and effective communication skills, both internal and external; strong MS Word and Excel skills are essential

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The salary for this role is $110,000 - $115,000 annualized. 32BJ provides a generous benefits package that includes a fully employer-paid medical, dental and vision plan, for full-time employees and their qualified dependents. We offer retirement benefits, including both a defined benefit pension plan and 401K. The Union currently offers a remote work policy of one remote day per week at the discretion of the manager.

APPLICATION
Please email a résumé and letter of interest to Human Resources at HR@seiu32bj.org with “Associate Counsel for Bargaining and Employer Relations” in the Subject line of your email.

Please note 32BJ has implemented a vaccine mandate. Bona fide religious and ADA exemptions are permitted with additional safety measures.

32BJ is an inclusive and diverse organization, committed to advocating for social, racial and economic justice. We promote diversity and strongly encourage applications from people who believe in our mission. We strongly encourage women and people of color to apply.