Writers Guild of America, East
WGAE

Internal Organizer / Field Representative
Broadcast, Cable, Streaming News

Based in New York City, NY

 

Introduction and Job Overview:
The Writers Guild of America East, AFL-CIO (WGAE or the Guild) is a labor union representing more than 7,000 members who craft content for motion pictures, television and podcasts; and who write news for television, radio and digital media.The WGAE negotiates, administers and enforces contracts protecting the creative and economic rights of its members; organizes those who are not organized; provides a range of programs and services for members including panel discussions, seminars, social gatherings, training sessions, and events on issues of interest to writers; presents writers’ views to various bodies of governments, and much more.

The Broadcast, Cable, and Streaming News Department (BCSN) of the Guild negotiates and enforces collective bargaining agreements for writers, producers and graphic artists working at outlets such as CBS News, ABC, MSNBC, and other news organizations across the country.

Reporting to the Director of Broadcast, Cable, Streaming News, the Field Representative will lead contract campaigns and support negotiations in the BCSN Department. The Field Representative will also be responsible for educating Guild members, activating and training member leaders, and enforcing Guild CBAs on behalf of members working under WGAE contracts.

Pay Range and Benefits:
The WGAE provides competitive compensation and an excellent benefits package and perks. This position is a bargaining-unit position with United Steelworkers Local 318.

Salary range is $87,398.98 - $110,250.00.The advertised pay scale reflects the good faith minimum and maximum salary range for this role and is not a promise of a particular wage for any specific employee.The specific compensation offered to a candidate may be dependent on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, special qualifications and other factors.

Excellent benefits package including, but not limited to, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, defined benefit pension plan, 401(k) savings plan and considerable paid time off including vacation, disability/sick leave and holidays.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Lead contract campaigns, workplace actions, committee meetings, and events. Organize shop members to achieve the goals of the shop and the Guild in the workplace.
• Identify, train and empower shop leaders and stewards to organize around workplace and industry issues including, but not limited to, their rights under the collective bargaining agreement.
• Develop new organizing leads and assist in new organizing campaigns.
• Ensure consistent and professional communication with representative committees and full bargaining units to inform and organize Guild shops.
• Evaluate possible violations of the collective bargaining agreements through interpretation of the WGAE agreements.
• Assist with onboarding new Guild members.
• Represent members in disciplinary meetings.
• Answer member questions regarding their rights under WGAE collective bargaining agreements and applicable law.
• File grievances in accordance with the WGAE collective bargaining agreements.Resolve grievances through both settlement discussion and member engagement and pressure.
• Maintain updated membership lists including, but not limited to, full bargaining units lists, union representative committee lists, Action Network mass email lists and industry-wide leader/ally lists.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements/Qualifications:

• At least two years of successful union organizing, contract enforcement, or other similar experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading organizing and contract campaigns, as well as the ability to plan and coordinate work actions. Experience moving workers to get involved with a union.
• Strong oral, written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and recognize priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with co-workers and Guild members.
• Ability to work independently, in a supporting role, and as part of a team.
• Research skills sufficient to prepare for negotiations, develop workplace strategies, and plan organizing activities
• Professional demeanor and ability to interact comfortably with a wide range of staff, members, various levels of management, and people outside the union.
• Willingness and ability to work long and irregular hours and weekends.

To Apply:
All résumés and cover letters must be sent to humanresources@wgaeast.org with subject line “Field Representative”. As part of this commitment, WGAE will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.If a reasonable accommodation is needed in this process, please contact humanresources@wgaeast.org.

The WGAE is an equal opportunity employer fully dedicated to achieving a diverse staff.All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and expression and sexual orientation), disability status, weight, height, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.