Union Agent Any Class/Level - Big Island

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Union Agent I Union Agent II Union Agent III

Job Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the Field Services Officer (FSO), Division Chief (DC), or Manager, this position performs assignments as a trainee, to independently perform a limited scope of member services. The position is responsible for developing and nurturing interpersonal contacts with members and staff relative to contract enforcement and membership services, advocating for members in various meeting settings, participating in bargaining unit governance activities, assisting with member/steward recruitment and education, and contributing to meeting HGEA goals and objectives. Union Agents are covered by the Hawaii Association of Union Agents (HAUA) labor contract.

Job Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Field Services Officer (FSO), Division Chief (DC), or Manager, the majority of the time, this position independently performs assignments of a routine to complex nature in providing general services to members of HGEA/AFSCME. The position involves in-depth interpersonal contact relative to contract enforcement, grievance handling, member recruitment and other membership services. Union Agents are covered by the Hawaii Association of Union Agents (HAUA) labor contract.

 

Job Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Field Services Officer (FSO), Division Chief (DC), or Manager, this position independently performs assignments of a routine to complex nature in providing general services to members of HGEA/AFSCME. The position involves in-depth interpersonal contact relative to contract enforcement, grievance handling, member recruitment and other membership services. Union Agents are covered by the Hawaii Association of Union Agents (HAUA) labor contract.

 

Essential Functions:

Develops effective working relationships with all staff members. Cooperates willingly with others and offers and/or responds to requests for assistance without jeopardizing own responsibilities. Attends staff meetings, participates in discussions and contributes meaningful input. Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions

(in addition to UA I): Maintains and develops effective working relationships with all staff members. Ability to work independently, with minimal guidance

 

Essential Functions (in addition to UA I & II):

Ability to work independently. Performs the job without inconveniencing or disrupting others.

 

Essential Functions (cont’d):
UNION PROMOTION

  1.  Utilizes available resources to gain a thorough understanding of HGEA operations, members’ rights, union benefits and services, dues structure, etc., in order to make presentations promoting union membership and activism to individuals and groups.
  2. Utilizes available resources to gain knowledge of timely union/member issues, current events involving HGEA, and developments in the labor movement to be able to speak out on issues affecting the union or our members.
  3. At the direction of the supervisor, attends meetings that require supervisor or other staff to articulate HGEA’s position to individuals or groups. Provides supervisor with draft presentation or meeting summary, for training purposes, as requested.
  4. Learns to recognize and respond to the need to advocate for an individual or a group of members on workplace issues. Consults with the supervisor on the internal and external systems and methods for providing that advocacy for members.
  5. Serves as a staff support person to the Island Division to coordinate meetings for the Island Division and its committees.
  6. Develops knowledge of the reallocation, repricing, and recruitment/examination processes and related rules and regulations in order to respond to basic inquiries from members and assess the complexity of inquiries to determine potential contract violations or need for technical follow-up.

Essential Functions (cont’d):
UNION PROMOTION (in addition to UA I)

  1. Utilizes knowledge of HGEA and union issues to talk to HGEA members, management or the public, either individually or in groups, about HGEA or the labor movement to solicit support for HGEA.
  2. Attends meetings to articulate HGEA’s position to individuals or groups and answer questions with supervisory guidance.
  3. Responds to the need to advocate for an individual or a group of members on workplace issues. Consults with the supervisor to gain support for issues by effectively using internal and external systems and creative methods for providing that advocacy for members.
  4. Serves as a resource person to members, Stewards, Union Agents and other staff and responds to inquiries regarding contract provisions, and rules and regulations and departmental procedures.
  5. Maintains general and current knowledge of the reallocation, repricing, and recruitment/examination processes and related rules and regulations in order to respond to inquiries from members and assess the complexity of inquiries to determine potential contract violations or need for technical follow-up.
  6. Coordinates and conducts training programs for stewards.
  7. May independently handle cases before the Commissions and Boards, management, administration, personnel and labor relations.

 

Essential Functions (cont’d):
UNION PROMOTION (in addition to UA I & II)

  1. Utilizes available resources to make presentations as needed to promote union membership and activism to individuals and groups.
  2. Responds to the need to advocate for an individual or a group of members on workplace issues.
  3. Serves as the staff support and/or lead staff to a Unit Board and/or Island Division and its subordinate committees.

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Essential Functions (cont’d):
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

  1. When assigned to Outreach, works on informally settling issues, complaints, disputes in the field through worksite visits, member meetings, and/or management personnel before escalation to grievance.
  2. Develops relationships with members and leaders by visiting and introducing self at assigned worksites, making contacts via phone calls or e-mail and establishing rapport at union meetings and functions.
  3. Recruits new members from among employees represented by the HGEA, and encourages member retention through exceptional and timely service, information and support while educating union importance to potential opt outs.
  4. Attends meetings with supervisor and/or other agents and takes notes on discussions in order to explain and summarize meeting issues in response to member inquiries following the meeting.
  5. Solicits member volunteers for political action, community action and other activities as needed.
  6. May be assigned to monitor and provide reports at routine meetings such as an agency council or Island Division, with direction and guidance from the supervisor.
  7. Makes phone calls, sends e-mail messages, delivers / picks up materials, or drafts correspondence for supervisor’s review as assigned.
  8. Under direction of Supervisor, Union Agent II or III, performs meeting support functions, such as reserving meeting rooms, making coffee and ordering food, submitting appropriate and timely forms, and setting up / cleaning up / locking up meeting facilities.
  9. Attends and participates in membership activities designed to encourage fellowship, and provides any assistance necessary to contribute to the event’s success.
  10. Under direction and guidance from supervisor, may speak before groups on HGEA/AFSCME organizational, collective bargaining, legislative, social, insurance and recreation programs.
  11. Under direction and guidance from supervisor, conducts field activities which may involve union elections, educational and informational meetings, membership services, arranging departmental visits and meetings, assignment to committees and panels, and handling other special assignments or projects.
  12. Under the direction and guidance of the supervisor, may be assigned to solicit input from members on consultations and other matters impacting the Union, summarize the issues, and relay pertinent information to appropriate staff.
  

Essential Functions (cont’d):
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES (in addition to UA I)

  1. Develops and maintains relationships with members and leaders by visiting and introducing self at assigned worksites, making contacts via phone calls or e-mail and establishing rapport at union meetings and functions.
  2. Attends meetings and takes notes on discussions in order to explain and summarize meeting issues in response to member inquiries following the meeting.
  3. Monitors and provides staff reports for certain membership meetings, i.e., agency council, Island Division steward meetings and assigned Committees, with little or no guidance from supervisor.
  4. Independently performs meeting support functions such as reserving meeting rooms, making coffee and ordering food, submitting appropriate and timely forms, and setting up / cleaning up / locking up meeting facilities.
  5. Attends and participates in membership activities designed to encourage fellowship and provides any assistance necessary to contribute to the event’s success.
  6. Solicits input from members on consultations and other matters impacting the Union, summarizes the issues and relays pertinent information to appropriate staff.
  7. Speaks before groups on HGEA/AFSCME organizational, collective bargaining, legislative, social, insurance and Recreation programs.
  8. Conducts field activities which may involve union elections, educational and informational meetings, membership services, arranging departmental visits and meetings, assignment to committees and panels, and handling other special assignments or projects.
  9. Assists members in filing claims for Unemployment Insurance, Temporary Disability Insurance, and retirement benefits.
  10. Assists members in filing claims for discrimination with the State of Hawaii and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
  11. Provides information and refers member to appropriate agencies in filing claims for Unemployment Insurance, Temporary Disability Insurance, retirement benefits and the State of Hawaii Employment Opportunity Commission. May be assigned to communicate and respond to the Employer.
  12. May handle cases before the Commissions and Boards.

 

 



  

Essential Functions (cont’d):
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES (in addition to UA I & II)

  1. Maintains relationships with members and leaders by visiting and introducing oneself at assigned worksites, making contacts via phone calls or e-mail and establishing rapport at union meetings and functions.
  2. Solicits input from members on consultations and other matters impacting the Union, summarizes the issues and relays pertinent information to appropriate staff. May be assigned to communicate and respond to the Employer.
  3. May handle cases before Commissions and Boards.

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Essential Functions (cont’d):
GRIEVANCE HANDLING

  1. Gains familiarity with contract(s), government functions and operations, labor relations, union structure, and work processes through self-directed interaction with supervisor and other staff as well as formal training provided by HGEA.
  2. Seeks guidance from supervisor and senior agents in order to respond appropriately and timely to member inquiries.
  3. May conduct investigations and analyze material and information relating to grievance cases. For training purposes, may be asked to provide oral and/or written summaries of such investigations and follow up as necessary.
  4. May assist supervisor with grievances by making phone calls, setting up meetings, providing case documentation, drafting grievance letters and other written correspondence to management and or grievant.
  5. May attend grievance meetings with supervisor and other agents, drafting written presentation for training purposes, as requested. Assists by taking notes and providing observations to supervisor/agent.
  6. May be assigned cases to handle independently, with full responsibility for timely disposition of the cases and feedback to supervisor for guidance or progress updates.
  7. May prepare grievances for presentation and representation of members in accordance with contractual provisions, and keeps the supervisor apprised of grievance status.
  8. May draft arbitration recommendations and consultation responses as requested by the Supervisor with appropriate guidance as needed.

OTHER:

  1. Serves as a staff support person to the Island Division to coordinate meetings for the Island Division and its committees.
  2. Attends staff meetings, participates in discussions, and contributes meaningful input.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions (cont’d):
GRIEVANCE HANDLING (in addition to UA I)

  1. Continues to master familiarity with HGEA collective bargaining agreements, government functions and operations, labor relations, union structure, and work processes
  2. Responds appropriately and timely to member inquiries with minimal guidance from supervisor and senior agents.
  3. Conducts investigations and analyzes material and information relating to member grievances.
  4. Processes other grievances by making phone calls, setting up meetings, providing case documentation and drafting grievance letters and other written correspondence to management, grievant and file with minimal guidance from supervisor.
  5. Attends and presents cases at grievance meetings. Takes meeting notes and reports to supervisor or other staff as appropriate.
  6. Handles assigned cases independently, with full responsibility for timely disposition of the cases and feedback to the supervisor for guidance or progress updates.
  7. Prepares grievances for presentation and representation of members in accordance with contractual provisions, and keeps the supervisor apprised of grievance status.
  8. Writes arbitration recommendations for cases pending the final grievance step and assists in arbitration

OTHER:

  1. Serves as a staff support person to the Island Division to coordinate meetings for the Island Division and its committees.
  2. Attends staff meetings, participates in discussions, and contributes meaningful input.
  3. Performs other duties as assigned.

 

 

 

Essential Functions (cont’d):
GRIEVANCE HANDLING (in addition to UA I & II)

  1. Understands HGEA collective bargaining agreements, government functions and operations, labor relations, union structure, and work processes.
  2. Responds appropriately and timely to member inquiries independently that may be received via direct contact, phone calls or e-mail messages.
  3. Conducts investigation and analyzes pertinent material and information relating to member grievances and benefit claims for assigned bargaining unit.
  4. Processes grievances by making phone calls, setting up meetings, managing cases in UnionWare, writing grievance letters and other correspondence to management and/or grievant.
  5. Handles assigned cases independently, with full responsibility for timely disposition of the cases and feedback to supervisor as necessary.
  6. Prepares and presents arbitration recommendations for cases pending the final grievance step.
  7. Prepares grievances for presentation and representation of members in accordance with contractual provisions.
  8. May represent members in grievance arbitration cases which includes preparing the theory of the case, making opening and closing statements, preparing and examining witnesses, and applying common rules of evidence.

OTHER:

  1. Assists the FSO/DC or serves as a lead in coordinating activities for negotiations and in servicing the various Councils and Unit Boards.
  2. Attends staff meetings, participates in discussions, and contributes meaningful input.
  3. Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Basic Qualifications:

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Experience and Training: 1 to 3 years labor relations experience, preferably in a union setting, union agent experience, or 1 to 3 years employment in a government agency involving handling complaints and resolving problems directly with customers/clients, or 1 to 3 years handling complaints.
  • Knowledge of: Microsoft Office programs preferred. Government operations and basic union principles and practices. 
  • Ability to: Operate a computer to generate letters, reports and other documents; work after hours and travel as needed. Develop effective working relationships with all staff members. Cooperate willingly with others and offer and/or responds to requests for assistance without jeopardizing own responsibilities.
  • License: Valid Hawaii Drivers’ License and reliable personal vehicle required.

 

 

 

 

Basic Qualifications:

  • Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Experience and Training: Four (4) to five (5) years experience as a Union Agent servicing government employees, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
  • Knowledge of: or ability to learn and interpret Civil Service laws and other applicable State laws; State Collective Bargaining Law; governmental rules and regulations; union contracts; HGEA/AFSCME internal organization; HGEA/AFSCME bylaws and the respective bargaining unit bylaws; and the structure and operations of government agencies affecting government employees. Some knowledge of government employment with evidence of public relations and/or service-oriented aptitude.
  • Ability to: Interact effectively with members, employer representatives, and staff, either via direct contact or telephone; speak before groups; produce written reports and recommendations on behalf of members; analyze and follow-up on members concerns and/or grievances; participate in all HGEA/AFSCME activities including after-hours events; travel off island as required for union business; compose letters, memos and reports and operate computer to generate documents. (Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs preferred.)
  • License: Valid Hawaii Drivers’ License and reliable personal vehicle Required.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Experience and Training: More than five (5) years experience as a Union Agent servicing government employees, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
  • Knowledge of: Civil Service law and other applicable State laws; State Collective Bargaining Law; governmental rules and regulations; union contracts; HGEA/AFSCME internal organization; HGEA/AFSCME bylaws and the respective bargaining unit bylaws; and the structure and operations of government agencies affecting government employees.
  • Ability to: Interact effectively with members, employer representatives, and staff, either via direct contact or telephone; speak before groups; produce written reports and recommendations on behalf of members; analyze and follow-up on members concerns and/or grievances; participate in all HGEA/AFSCME activities including afterhours events; travel off island as required for union business; compose letters, memos and reports and operate computer to generate documents. (Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs preferred.)
  • License: Valid Hawaii Drivers’ License and reliable personal vehicle required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Customer Service
  • Strong Written/Verbal Communication
  • Experience presenting to various size groups.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Customer Service
  • Strong Written/Verbal Communication
  • Experience presenting to various size groups.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Customer Service
  • Strong Written/Verbal Communication
  • Experience presenting to various size groups.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

This position operates in a professional office and/or outside environment. Routinely uses standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, photocopies, etc.

 

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

This position operates in a professional office and/or outside environment. Routinely uses standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, photocopies, etc.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

This position operates in a professional office and/or outside environment. Routinely uses standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, photocopies, etc.

Job Type: Full Time Salary:
$4,522 per month

 

Application Requirements: Please submit cover letter and resume to jobs@hgea.org. Position will remain open till filled.

Job Type: Full Time Salary:
$5,441 per month

 

Application Requirements: Please submit cover letter and resume to jobs@hgea.org. Position will remain open till filled.

Job Type: Full Time Salary:
$6,802 per month

 

Application Requirements: Please submit cover letter and resume to jobs@hgea.org. Position will remain open till filled.