Labor Advocate I - Research and Collective Bargaining Department

American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees

Labor Advocate I
Research and Collective Bargaining Department

Based in Washington, DC
[Headquarters]

Labor Advocate I
Research and Collective Bargaining Department
Location: Washington, DC - Headquarters
USU Grade 8
Salary Range: $90,210 – $135,311

This position analyzes a variety of verbal and statistical data to prepare reports and studies involving labor relations issues as well as for providing assistance to affiliates during negotiations, impasse resolution proceedings, organizing campaigns, and other union activities.

Duties: 

• Uses a broad spectrum of internal and external resources to research affiliate and International staff requests for information on a topic.
• Searches sources, such as reference works, literature, documents, newspapers, and statistical records, to obtain data on assigned subject. Answers the request and adapts previous responses to similar requests.
• May interview individuals to obtain data or draft correspondence to answer inquiries.
• May analyze state and federal legislative and regulatory initiatives in the social service field to determine their impact on AFSCME members and make recommendations. Works with AFSCME affiliates on implementation of initiatives.
• Analyzes and evaluates applicability of collected data; prepares statistical tabulations.
• Responds to requests requiring the analysis of city, county, state and other budgets to determine feasibility and fiscal impact. Analysis may be used for contract negotiations, arbitrations, or fact finding initiatives. May assist more senior economists in more complex analysis and the preparation of requisite materials.
• Uses economic statistics such as the Consumer Price Index and Census Data plus information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other government agencies to respond to inquiries from affiliates and International Union staff.
• Collects job descriptions and wage and benefits data from employers and analyzes comparisons to assist affiliates.
• Writes reports and bulletins or presents data in formats such as abstract, bibliographies, graphs, etc.
• Responsible for collecting information necessary for the annual minimum dues determination from affiliates and verifying its completeness and accuracy.
• Summarizes major AFSCME contract settlements, indicating wage and benefit changes and language improvements. Analyzes contracts and advises how to "improve" the language.
• Attends meetings and workshops of other labor organizations, coalition groups and public commissions as a participant or observer.
• Performs other general labor economist duties as assigned.

Requirements: 
Education and Experience
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with course work in economics, labor relations, political science and a minimum of three years’ experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Skills Requirements:

• Considerable knowledge of labor relations, and budget analysis issues.
• Knowledge of labor unions and organizing.
• Knowledge of economic program analysis and projections.
• Knowledge of collective bargaining process and issues.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to write reports and make presentations.
• Ability to conduct sound research and make logical conclusions.
• Ability to formulate program strategies and respond to formal information requests.
• Ability to perform economic analysis.
• Skill in the use of personal computers and database software.

Travel & Work hours 

• Travel and extended work hours including evenings and weekends may be required.
• A valid driver's license is required.

To Apply:
Please submit résumé and cover letter to View email address on unionjobs.com .

Posting Date: October 2, 2026

AFSCME is an equal opportunity employer, and, as such, does not discriminate against an employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, age, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, disability, or any other classification protected from discrimination under applicable law.

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