Union Representative

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of the Oahu Division Director, this position uses independent judgement during performance of assignments that are routine and complex in nature; provides exceptional service to members on behalf of the Union. These assignments may include providing representation during administrative investigations, filing, and arguing grievances with employer representatives, recruiting new members, informally resolving workplace issues, and maintaining constant communication with member leaders.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Attends staff meetings, participates in discussions, and contributes meaningful input.
• Utilizes available resources to make presentations as needed to promote union membership and activism to individuals and groups.
• Utilizes knowledge of UPW and union issues to talk to UPW members, management, or the public, either individually or in groups, about UPW or the labor movement to solicit support for UPW.
• Attends meetings to articulate UPW’s position to individuals or groups. With supervisory support, attends certain meetings to articulate UPW’s position or answer questions from individuals or groups.
• Responds to the need to advocate for an individual or a group of members on workplace issues which may be non-contractual issues.
• Serves as a resource person to members and responds to routine inquiries regarding contract provisions and the employer’s departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintains general and current knowledge of the reallocation, pricing, and recruitment/examination processes and related rules and regulations in order to respond to basic inquiries from members and assess the complexity of inquiries to determine potential contract violations or need for technical follow up.
• Assists in coordinating activities for negotiations and in servicing the various Divisions and/or Units.
• Speaks before groups on UPW organizational, collective bargaining, legislative, social, insurance and recreation programs.
• Attends and participates in membership activities designed to encourage fellowship and provides any assistance necessary to contribute to the event’s success.
• Conducts field activities that may involve union elections, educational and informational meetings, membership services, arranging departmental visits and meetings, assignment to committees and panels, and handling other special assignments or projects.
• Provides general information and refers members to appropriate agencies in filing claims including Unemployment Insurance, Temporary Disability Insurance, and retirement benefits.
• Conducts investigations and analyzes pertinent material and information relating to member grievances and benefit claims for assigned bargaining unit.
• Responds appropriately to member inquiries that might be received via direct contact, phone calls, or e-mail messages.
• Prepares grievances for presentation and representation of members in accordance with contractual provisions and keeps management apprised of grievance status. Prepares and presents arbitration recommendations for cases pending the final grievance step.
• May represent members in grievance arbitration cases which includes preparing the theory of the case, making opening and closing statements, preparing and examining witnesses, and applying common rules of evidence.
• May require flexible work schedule such as evening or weekend assignments.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Abilities:

· Ability to interact effectively with members, employer representatives, and staff, either via direct contact or telephone; speak before groups; produce written reports and recommendations on behalf of members; analyze and follow-up on members concerns and/or grievances; participate in all UPW activities including after-hours events; travel off-island as required for union business; compose letters, memos, and reports and operate computers to generate documents.

· High-level ability to communicate orally and in writing.

· Strong analytical skills necessary to interpret contract language, investigate and process grievances, and prepare contract proposals.

· Ability to work under pressure and with minimal supervision; must be well organized and self-motivated.

· Ability to exercise good judgment and discern priorities.

· Ability to make effective use of resources available to the union.

· Dedication to improving the position of working people and strengthening the role of organized labor in society through work actions, community relations, and legislative and political activity.

· Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.

· Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.

· Proficient with Microsoft Office 365 or other related software.

· Ability to operate office equipment – Xerox machine, VoIP telephone, video conferencing equipment.

· Ability to occasionally work long and irregular hours including weekend work, participation in union-wide activities and events, and assignments on neighboring islands.

Minimum Qualifications:

· High school diploma or equivalent.

· A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is preferred.

· At least one (1) year of experience servicing union members, resolving complex issues, and/or legal matters. Related experience will be given consideration as will steward and rank-and-file experience.

· General knowledge of Civil Service law and other applicable State laws; State Collective Bargaining Law; union contracts; UPW division bylaws and the respective bargaining unit bylaws; and the structure and operations of government agencies, is preferred.

· Possession of a valid Hawaii Drivers’ License and a personal vehicle for business use is required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $61,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Do you currently live on Oahu? If not, what are your relocation plans?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $61,500