Member Representative

Are you a Union Representative that empowers workers and represents their rights?

UFCW is looking for a Member Representative, like YOU, to join their growing team.

UFCW 1518’s Member Representative works on the front lines to engage members, stewards, and activities to defend and promote the rights of workers. Reporting to the Senior Director, Bargaining & Services, you will deliver fair representation, support, and education to members as they navigate the collective agreement and bargaining process.

This position is located out of and includes coverage of the Lower Mainland area and requires travel to members and organizations.

Why UFCW 1518?

UFCW 1518 fights for fairness for its 28,000 members across diverse sectors, like community health, retail and industrial. Your contributions will be integral to achieving to championing workplace justice, increased wages, and better working conditions for everyone we represent.

As a joining member of our team, you can expect:

• Competitive compensation package to reward you and your contributions.
• Extended health benefits and dental plan to take care of you and your family.
• Flexible hybrid role with the chance to collaborate with colleagues and work remotely.

Key Responsibilities & Duties 

• Grievance Handling including researching; arguing and presenting grievances; arbitrations and Labour Board hearings; and other labour relations duties.
• Member representation including representing new members through first contracts; unit visits; establishing effective labour relations with management; and advocacy on behalf of members in various areas including, health & safety, human rights, political action, duty to accommodate, grievance management, and collective bargaining.
• Member Engagement, including orienting new members; developing and fostering relationships with members and non-members at work and in the community; recruiting and engaging members for union training; and other activities.
• Database reporting and accountability of work activities through logging and maintaining UFCW 1518’s member database with member information, interactions and labour-relations processes.
• Joint Committees in the workplace including recruiting and training members to participate on these committees and ensuring compliance.
• Organizing Unions. Connect with unorganized workplaces and campaign for certification by canvassing and educating workers about union membership.
• Collective Bargaining and negotiation including participating in the union’s strategic bargaining discussions as needed; acting as a spokesperson in negotiations; working with member bargaining committees to research; and develop bargaining proposals; reaching a written agreement; interpreting, administering and enforcing collective agreements.
• Education including mentoring and training of stewards and other work-place leaders; educating workers/members about union membership and other relevant topics.

What You Bring to the Table

Experience:

• 3 to 5 years of experience as a Union Representative.
• 3 to 5 years of experience negotiating collective agreements.
• Experience with grievance handling up to and including arbitrations.
• Understanding of labour legislation and processes, such as BC Labour Relations Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, and Employment Standards Act.
• Technically versed in Microsoft Office Suite, performing Internet and Intranet searches, and uploading documents.

Education requirements:

• University degree or college diploma in Labour Studies or any related field.

Other requirements:

• You have a BC driver’s license and are able to drive a vehicle to travel throughout BC and Canada.
• Ability to work effectively with people at all levels within the union, employer groups, and other organizations.
• You’re a natural leader with the ability to inspire, engage, direct and mentor both members and employers.
• Ability to leverage creative problem solving, risk assessment and critical thinking to work independently with little supervision.
• You’re an active listener that responds in a decisive, positive, and proactive way to member issues and concerns.
• You’re an adaptable communicator and public speaker to earn trust, confidence, and respect of members in both friendly and hostile groups.

Nice to Haves

• Experience working with UnionWare.
• Proficiency in Spanish is considered an asset, as it supports our efforts to better serve diverse communities and enhance communication with Spanish-speaking members. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds and encourage those with multilingual abilities to apply.

Compensation:

At UFCW 1518, we believe in attracting top talent and rewarding them generously. Our compensation package is designed to reflect your skills, experience, and the value you bring to our organization.

Compensation Range: $97,569.16 to 113,260.68 per year

In addition to your salary, you will be eligible to participate in UFCW 1518’s health and dental benefits package (subject to standard waiting times) and Flexible work arrangement with the chance to collaborate with colleagues and work remotely.

If this sounds like what you’re looking for in your next opportunity, we want to hear from you! Apply with your resume and cover letter today.

UFCW 1518 is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. BIPOC, immigrants, women, and LGBTQ+ people are encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $97,569.16 to 113,260.68 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Extended health care
• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

If this sounds like what you’re looking for in your next opportunity, we want to hear from you! Internal applicants can apply by emailing their resume and cover letter to careers@ufcw1518.com