Senior Business Representative

BACKGROUND

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) is the country’s largest public employees’ union. AFSCME is the largest affiliate of the national AFL-CIO, with more than 1.3 million members and an overall representation of more than 1.8 million public employees in 46 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. AFSCME is the fastest growing union in the United States and is committed to achieving employee dignityand improving the working conditions for working men and womenthroughout this country.

AFSCME Local Unions in Southern California are joined together in AFSCME District Council 36 to provide professional field representation, coordinated contract campaigns, political action and organizing. The Local Unions affiliated with AFSCME District Council 36 represent more than 25,000 public sector workers in 70+ Local Unions. Members in affiliated Local Unions work for county governments, cities, courts, school districts, special governmental districts, transportation agencies and private sector employers.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Senior Business Representative position provides the full range of representation to members in their assigned areas. This includes, assisting, developing, training, and mentoring leaders in Local union administration, grievance handling through the arbitration level, contract negotiations, appearances before governmental councils, boards and commissions, political action, internal communications program, internal organizing and additional work as assigned.

This assignment services various AFSCME District Council 36 Public and Private Sector affiliates throughout Southern California.

JOB DUTIES

Recruit and provide training and assistance in the administration of Local unions.

Negotiate or assist in contract negotiations, including proposal development, contract campaigns and contract negotiations.

Work with leaders in the development and implementation of worksite issue campaigns.

Train and assist stewards and officers in representation work, including grievances and disciplinary appeals up to and including arbitrations.

Represent bargaining unit members in arbitrations, Civil Service Commissions, Employee Relations Commission hearings and in other administrative bodies and forums.

Interview and prepare defendants and other witnesses.

Secure necessary evidence through testimony, witness declarations, subpoenas, etc.

Review and evaluate allegations/positions, evaluate evidence, identify complex issues and develop a defense strategy.

Write pre- and post-hearing briefs, witness questions and other preparatory documents.

Track and schedule cases with various hearing bodies.

Train and assist leaders in the development of political action programs, including assessing potential candidates for office, recruit, and train member political activists, and lobbying elected officials.

Assist leaders in internal and external organizing campaigns. Other related duties as assigned by the District Council.

REQUIREMENTS

A BS/BA degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Three or more years of related work experience.

Ability to establish rapport with and organize members in widely diversified ethnic, social, and economic groups.

Experience in advocacy and leadership.

Impeccable diplomatic tact and excellent skill in verbal and written communications.

Quick learner possessing strong interest and working knowledge of labor rights and contract language. Extensive project management experience in a high-stress environment.

Proven effectiveness in working with Local Union activists.

Experience in preparing and conducting arbitrations as the lead advocate.

Must be experienced in the use of Internet and Microsoft Word and familiarity with desktop publishing. Vehicle, driver’s license, and required use of vehicle.

AFSCME District Council 36 is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce.

Comprehensive employer provided benefits.

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