- Job Title: Union Representative/Organizer (Bilingual – English/Spanish)
- Location: Full-time position based in Springfield, MA
- Salary: $TBD
- To Apply: Email resume and cover letter to dethier@ufcw1459.com – Include job title in the subject line
Are you passionate about economic fairness and social justice? Do you want to improve the lives of working people and strengthen the labor movement? If you answered, “Yes!,” then the UFCW Local 1459 may be the right place for you. We are looking for a Bilingual – English/Spanish Union Representative/Organizer to join our team.
Established in 1938, UFCW Local 1459 is a progressive organization with members in Western Mass and Vermont in grocery stores, healthcare, services, DPW, cannabis, and other industries, constantly striving to represent the members’ interests to the fullest extent at the workplace and in the community. We are workers helping other workers to improve wages, benefits, working conditions, and have a true, independent voice in the workplace. UFCW Local 1459 has bargained contracts over the years that have ensured its members have health insurance, pensions, good wages, job security, and respect on the job. With several thousand members, UFCW Local 1459 is one of the largest unions in Western Massachusetts.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Act as the primary liaison and enforcer between employers and employees to follow the terms of their arrangement and to support employees and guide them through workplace challenges
- Bargain contracts and ensure that the employer is in compliance with all federal, state and local laws and regulations
- Field any potential grievances; represent members in disciplinary proceedings
- Identify, recruit, train and develop worksite leaders and stewards and mentor them on representation matters and contract interpretation to support employee representation
- Answer questions from members
- Identify and meet with workers (one-on-one meetings, phone calls, location visits and small group meetings, special events, etc.) to discuss benefits of a Union and expected opposition from management
- Plan and lead actions, rallies, events and strikes
- Mobilize workers around worksite issues, politics, public policy, and other issues affecting the lives of workers
- Develop, implement, and oversee the organizing campaign, from establishing committees through engaging in targeted actions to improving working conditions for workers
- Perform other duties as assigned with the understanding that no two days are alike
Minimum Qualifications:
- Demonstrated commitment to social, racial, and economic justice
- Motivated self-starter able to learn and troubleshoot without heavy supervision
- Willing and able to take regular direction and learn from experienced staff
- Critical thinking and willingness to confront power
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Willingness to periodically work long, irregular hours, including evenings and weekends
- Periodic travel necessary
- Some knowledge of labor rights & contract language, and the ability to learn these quickly
- Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
- Bilingual – English/Spanish, a plus
UFCW is committed to building a diverse workforce. We offer excellent benefits, paid time off and a competitive salary.