LEAD FIELD REPRESENTATIVE/LEAD ORGANIZER

About the Organization:

UNITE HERE Local 25 is a growing union which represents over 8,000 hotel, food service and parking workers in the metropolitan DC area.  The Union’s Hotel and Food Service contracts provide some of the best benefits and strongest protections for hotel and food service workers in the country.  Following significant victories in citywide hotel contract fights in 2004 & 2007, Local 25 has established a reputation for aggressive and diligent representation of our members. 

In 2009, Local 25 organized the Gaylord National Harbor Hotel, winning union recognition and an outstanding first contract for 1,000 fulltime employees. 

In 2010, the Union will undertake the challenge of a citywide contract campaign for 4,500 hotel workers in the worst recession in recent memory.   Local 25 will be fighting to preserve and build on the economic standards and contractual rights that the Union has achieved over years of struggle.  In 2010 the Union will also be organizing new groups of food service workers and fighting for first contracts there.   Local 25 regularly receives inquiries from workers in DC Hotels who are interested in forming unions and it is a goal of the Union to have an organizing department with the capacity to support workers in multiple, simultaneous drives who are organizing with or without card check neutrality. 

About the positions: Lead Field Representative or Lead Organizer

Local 25 is looking for an individual with significant prior experience, either with representation or organizing to serve as a Lead on upcoming campaigns.  This position has significant opportunity for advancement within the organization and the union hopes to recruit an individual with potential to move to a Directorship role within a short time. 

“Field Representation” in our union does not mean filing and processing grievances.   This position involves working with other union staff and union members to effectively enforce the Union’s contract through shop-floor militancy and aggression and to develop the capacity of rank-and-file shop Leaders.   It also means helping lead strategic fights on specific departmental job issues ahead of our 2010 contract expiration. 

The Lead organizer will have the opportunity to provide vision and Leadership to Union staff and rank and file Leaders during a period of intense action, escalation, and strategic fights with employers in preparation for the 2010 city-wide hotel contract negotiations.   

Responsibilities for both positions can include:

• Develop and implement strategies for winning concrete improvements for members with legal, representational and organizing components.
• Develop and implement campaign strategy and tactics including messaging and writing literature.
• Plan assignments for, lead and debrief union staff and volunteer organizers on a daily basis.
• Create and implement plans for rank-and-file Leadership development in the shops including both contract enforcement and organizing.
• Provide representation to members on complex departmental and shop-wide issues.
• Supervise the preparation of cases for grievances and strategic arbitrations.
• Manage and track project details. 

Qualifications:

• Spanish language capacity highly desirable
• At least three years work as a union representative or organizer with experience in contract interpretation and enforcement OR  at least three years experience as a union organizer engaged in contract campaigns or recognition campaigns against hostile employers (ie non neutrality campaigns)
• Proven capability to motivate and inspire workers to take on and sustain difficult fights and struggles. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop staff.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to write and produce effective campaign literature. 
• Ability to work with and build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Attention to detail and diligence in your work.
• Willingness to work long hours and weekends.

Compensation:

Salary commensurate with experience.  Benefits include employer-paid healthcare, dental, vision and pension. 

To Apply:

Local 25 is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Women and people of color are encouraged to apply.

Please send résumé and cover letter to jobs@local25now.org 

WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information online at UNIONJOBS.COM. Do not just say the Internet.