Fresno-Madera-Tulare-Kings Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO

Worker Organizer

Based in Fresno, CA

 

POSITION: Worker Organizer 
ORGANIZATION: Valley Forward
LOCATION: Fresno, CA

In difficult times, our power comes from standing together. Across the San Joaquin Valley, too many workers face low wages, unsafe conditions, and a lack of voice on the job. When workers come together to organize themselves, they not only claim their rights at work but also build collective strength that can transform entire communities. This effort is about supporting unorganized workers as they take the lead by helping them recognize their power, learn their rights, and stand shoulder to shoulder with others in the fight for fairness and dignity. This is a call to those ready to step forward, to become leaders and organizers, and to help weave together the voices of people too often left out of economic decision-making.

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Valley Forward works with dozens of key labor unions in the region and worker-center institutions to advance the economic outcomes of workers in targeted industries. 

We are launching a new initiative to support unorganized workers in the San Joaquin Valley as they organize themselves into bargaining units and uphold their rights at work. We are seeking a motivated, self-starting External Organizer to help build this program from the ground up. This is a unique opportunity to shape strategy, develop worker leadership, and lay the foundation for a lasting movement in the region.

DUTIES INCLUDE: 

• Work weekends, afternoons, and evenings.
• Conduct research on industries of interest.
• Be a team player and work with diverse groups.
• Lead a team or work independently.
• Identify and engage unorganized workers across key industries. 
• Build trusting relationships with workers and support them in developing leadership skills.
• Educate workers about their rights on the job and pathways to unionization.
• Design and implement organizing strategies in collaboration with community and labor allies.
• Recruit and develop a core group of worker leaders to sustain campaigns.
• Track organizing progress and report regularly to program leadership.
• Support workers with direct services such as filing worker claims with State Agencies.
• Build and maintain a network of partners across other organizations and unions for worker referrals.

SKILLS DESIRED:

• Bilingual (Spanish or Hmong) candidates preferred, but not mandatory.
• Must be outgoing and comfortable talking to others.
• Must be able to work offsite without supervision.
• Must be punctual, well organized, self-motivated, energetic, and have good verbal skills.
• Basic computer and administrative skills (MS Office Software, the Internet, tablets, photocopiers, telephones and other office equipment).
• Social media savvy.
• Demonstrated commitment to economic and social justice.
• Experience in labor, community, or grassroots organizing preferred, but strong candidates with related experience will be considered. 
• Must be able to hand in daily/weekly reports. 
• Be comfortable doing public presentations and assisting with set up of events.
• Must have a valid CA Driver’s License, access to a vehicle daily, and proof of automobile insurance.

APPICATION DEADLINE: September 19 .

APPLICATION PROCESS:
To apply, please send your résumé and cover letter to Dillon at: dsavory@myunionworks.com. Valley Forward will begin interviewing candidates on SEPTEMBER 22, 2022. Have references available upon request.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Grant-funded position (18 months)
• 40 Hours a week, including some Saturdays and Sundays.
• $27 an hour.
• $60 per month for cell phone usage
• Mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate
• Health Insurance provided 

Valley Forward is committed to providing equal opportunity to qualified applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, military service status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.