Council 31

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING ADMINISTRATOR

AFSCME Council 31 is one of Illinois' largest and most active unions, representing over 90,000 active and retired public service workers in over 275 affiliated local unions. Council 31 has a long tradition of democratic, progressive trade unionism and plays a key role in the Illinois labor movement, as well as in the state's political and legislative arenas. It has pioneered new strategies for organizing the unorganized, winning tough contract fights, and developing innovative programs to improve workers' lives. AFSCME members work in a wide range of occupations--including health care, criminal justice, clerical, maintenance, public works, human services and educational support.

Council 31 is seeking an experienced, skilled and dedicated trade unionist to serve as a Collective Bargaining Administrator based in Springfield, Illinois.  The Collective Bargaining Administrator plays a key role in contract enforcement by advancing the resolution of union grievances, helping to train local union leaders and stewards to more effectively utilize the grievance procedure, representing the union in arbitration proceedings and negotiations. 

Responsibilities:
• Serve as the union’s chief spokesperson on statewide labor-management grievance resolution committees
• Prepare the union’s case for all grievances considered by the grievance resolution committees
• Ensure appropriate follow-up on all grievances considered by the grievance resolution committees
• Coordinate the participation of the rank-and-file local union representatives who serve on the grievance resolution committees
• Represent the union in arbitration proceedings
• Assist in the negotiation of the master contract with the State of Illinois
• Negotiate or assist in the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, supplemental agreements, and memoranda of understanding
• Monitor reporting from state agencies and enforce agreements with the State of Illinois concerning use of subcontracts and personal service contracts
• Work closely with legal staff to develop and identify appropriate cases for arbitration   
• Conduct training for local union leaders and stewards
• Assist in internal organizing and contract campaigns

Desirable Qualifications:
• Experience as a union field staff or in union contract administration
• Solid knowledge of federal and state labor law as it pertains to contract administration and interpretation and labor board procedures.
• Ability to research and develop arguments to advance the union’s position on grievances.
• Ability to cogently and forcefully advocate the union’s position
• Ability to craft and write contract language and grievance resolutions
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to function well as a team leader
• Ability to resolve conflicts while maintaining relationships
• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks
• College degree in labor relations or related field or equivalent labor movement experience

Competitive salary and benefits.  Candidates should submit resume and cover letter to Minnie Perez at mperez@afscme31.org.

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