Bilingual Internal Organizer - Local SEIU Wisconsin

Bilingual Internal Organizer - Local SEIU Wisconsin

Location: Madison, Wisconsin Salary: $50,000 - $60,000

SEIU Wisconsin is Wisconsin's largest and fastest-growing property services and health care workers union. We represent over 7,000 workers across the state. In these tough economic times, there has been no stronger advocate for safe jobs with good wages and benefits for workers in Wisconsin.

POSITION SUMMARY: SEIU Wisconsin is seeking a Bilingual (English & Spanish) Internal Organizer based in Milwaukee and focused on SEIU WI's property service membership in the Milwaukee metro region and other parts of the state. The position works with the leadership of the Union in assisting with internal organizing efforts, political/electoral activities, contract campaigns and contract administration. This position works with the member leaders of the bargaining units to build power for workers at numerous sites. This position contributes to a healthy work culture focused on achieving long-term power for workers and communities in Wisconsin.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Organize shop-level membership to achieve long-term power
• Identify, recruit and develop members leaders to move their coworkers to action and also to solve grievances at the worksite
• Handle employer relations and grievances
• Assist in contract negotiations
• Work collaboratively with the leadership team to develop and execute an internal organizing strategy
• Contribute to a healthy workplace culture focused on building power for SEIU Wisconsin members
• Develop worksite-based communication and representational structures
• Assist worksite leaders and Union activists to develop skills including an effective welcome rap for new members, moving coworkers to take action and solve problems at their worksite, grievance handling, bargaining, political activity and other efforts to increase worker voices in Wisconsin
• Participate in new organizing efforts of workers to help grow the union
• Complete regular reports such as compiling worksite data, timesheets, expense reports, and other documentation requested by the Field Director and/or their designee.
• Stay current on issues of importance in the property services profession, as well as in health care and labor relations.
• Participate in SEIU (includes International, Local and State Council) activities as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned by the Field Director or their designee.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Fluent in Spanish and English and is able to communicate effectively with monolingual Spanish speakers
• Ability to show flexibility, as work and assignments can change as directed by the Field Director, Executive Director or their designees.
• Commitment to membership empowerment
• Ability to work with committees and to find and develop worksite leaders in order to build power in various bargaining units
• Ability to track data and use those systems effectively to understand the strength of classifications of workers within bargaining units, in bargaining units as a whole
• Creative and innovative ideas on problem-solving, willingness to attempt new approaches to internal organizing, bargaining, and grievance handling.
• Good, effective communication skills: oral and written
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex union contract language
• Ability to effectively and efficiently manage numerous complex tasks in a short period of time.
• Ability to gain the respect of and motivate hard working members
• Computer proficiency
• Ability to function and work effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced, stressful environment
• Ability to work weekends, evenings, and nights as needed and assigned
• Ability to drive a car, travel long distances, and overnights. Maintain vehicle liability insurance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge and/or experience in organizing, bargaining, representation, and/or arbitration.
• Community organizing, coalition building, labor union experience.
• Knowledge and/or experience servicing large (500+) bargaining units.
• Knowledge and/or experience bargaining and/or organizing when opposed by union busters
• Property Services background (employment)
• Relevant professional and/or educational degrees.

LOCATION: This position is based in the Milwaukee office and focused on SEIU WI's property service membership in the Milwaukee metro region and other parts of the state. Assignments are subject to change based on the needs and goals of the union. Salary and Benefits: Starting salary range of $50,000 - $60,000, based on experience. Union-paid benefits include very generous health, dental, vision insurance, pension plan, paid time off, and paid holidays.