Washington State Council of County and City Employees
WSCCCE/AFSCME Council 2

Staff Representative

Based in Spokane, WA

 

WSCCCE Council 2 is a progressive statewide public-sector union in Washington State, representing over 16,000 blue-collar, white-collar, professional, law enforcement, correctional staff, transit drivers, and supervisory workers in over 200 bargaining units. We are committed to building the Union through organizing, representation, and political/community action.

WSCCCE/AFSCME Council 2 currently employs 17 professional staff representatives who are highly experienced in collective bargaining, contract enforcement, and other aspects of the employee/employer relationship. This hands-on position will work daily with shop stewards, elected local union officers, and membership. The position will be based out of the Spokane Office and may require extensive travel, including possible and required overnight stays out of town, daily driving, evening driving, evening meetings, and some required weekend work.

Job Summary:
Staff Representatives are field staff who work directly with local unions, with a primary focus on organizing, contract administration, grievance handling, membership advocacy, and other duties related to the goals of the Union. Critical job functions are setting priorities, meeting deadlines, compiling, and analyzing data. This position reports to the Deputy Director.

Duties/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 2's political and legislative programs, including recruiting members to participate in political action and grassroots lobbying efforts.
• Trains and works with local union leadership to ensure effective meetings, sound fiscal practices, and good internal communication.
• Prepares and presents grievance mediation and arbitration cases for Council 2 general counsel review.
• Oversees member sign-up, new employee sign-ups, and orientation programs

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Requires regular and reliable attendance
• Could be required to assist Staff Representatives in other areas occasionally
• 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
• Strong public speaking skills
• Ability to write well and to author letters and contract language
• Knowledge of or ability to acquire computer skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Thorough understanding of laws, regulations, and guidelines related to HR and contract negotiations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficient with remote meeting software. Zoom, Teams, etc.
• Must possess the ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands
• Ability to receive feedback positively and take direction is essential.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions

Education and Experience Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Four years of experience in labor relations and proficiency in labor relations, labor organizing, or related work. A College degree in a related labor field could substitute for years of experience.
• A valid driver's license and driving record acceptable to the employer, a working automobile, a personal credit card, and auto insurance are required. A criminal background and/or credit check may be required.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; type on a keyboard for extended periods; talk, and hear. In addition, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. In addition, the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

Working Conditions:
Work is generally performed in an indoor office environment, although it may occasionally require visits to remote worksites and may be subject to adverse weather conditions and rough terrain. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to individuals who are angry, disgruntled, and/or hostile.

Compensation
The salary is set by a collective bargaining agreement, and the starting range is between $98,484 and $108,240 per year and will be determined commensurate with experience. The top of the pay scale for the position, with seniority, is $147,958. This position offers a robust package of additional benefits, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, sick leave, vacation leave, paid holidays, 401K retirement plan, and pension (employer and employee contributions are a percentage of your salary.

How to Apply:
To be considered for this position(s), applicants must submit a résumé, letter of interest, and at least three (3) professional references to: Barc@council2.com. Your letter of interest should clearly explain how your experience, training, and education make you a viable and competitive candidate for this position.