AFSCME Council 31
 

Union Staff Representative

Based in Southern Illinois

 

AFSCME Council 31 is one of Illinois' largest and most active unions, representing some 65,000 public service workers in 290 affiliated local unions. Council 31 has a long tradition of democratic, progressive trade unionism and plays a key role in the Illinois labor movement, as well as in the state's political and legislative arenas. It has pioneered new strategies for organizing the unorganized, winning tough contract fights, and developing innovative programs to improve workers' lives. AFSCME members work in a wide range of occupations--including health care, criminal justice, clerical, public works, human services, and educational support.

AFSCME Council 31 currently has Staff Representative positions open in Southern Illinois. Staff Representatives work directly with local unions to build their capacity to effectively mobilize, educate, and improve the lives of the employees they represent.

Responsibilities:

• Helps develop and implement strategies to involve union members in activities that build the local union's capacity to effectively represent employees in its jurisdiction, including internal communication and member mobilization
• Fosters recruitment and training of a network of union stewards who can assist members in solving problems on the job through contract enforcement and direct action
• Lead negotiator in bargaining contracts for assigned local unions
• Serves as liaison with local unions regarding all elements of Council 31's political and legislative programs
• Works with local union leadership to ensure effective meetings, sound fiscal practices, and strong internal communication
• Assists in preparing arbitration cases
• Oversees member sign-up and orientation programs
• Prepares leaflets, bulletins, etc. for communication with membership

Desirable Qualifications:

• Strong commitment to social justice and building the labor movement
• Experience and training necessary to conduct contract negotiations
• Ability to work well with a wide variety of people
• Proven ability to organize and plan work
• Leadership skills to educate and motivate members
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in complex situations
• Strong public speaking skills
• Ability to write well and to author letters, newsletters, and contract language
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with social media
• Experience in labor relations.

Competitive salary structure. Excellent benefit package.

To Apply:
Email cover letter and résumé to: Margaret Walker at: mwalker@afscme31.org.