UNITE HERE Local 40, BC’s union for hospitality workers, is seeking a Union Organizer to recruit, train and mobilize workers to win strong workplace standards. We are committed to developing rank-and-file leadership, organizing the unorganized, and to building a strong, fighting labour union. Local 40is a growing local union with a diverse membership working in hotels, food service, airports, and resource camps across the province.

Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to working for social justice through a strong a labour movement. The successful applicant we are looking for is driven, courageous, open to feedback, hard working, and a fighter with a deep commitment to social change. The position entails irregular hours including work in the evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities include:

• Identify, recruit and develop worker-leaders through one-on-one communication;
• Build and maintain active worker committees;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to move workers to take collective action and build power;
• Identify and meet with worker leaders to recruit and train them as union leaders for their particular workplace campaign, in union and non-union settings;
• Promote rank and file leadership development;
• Identify workplace issues, learn the relevant collective agreement language, and pursue resolution through the grievance and arbitration procedures;
• Move workers into action on the shop floor to enforce their rights;
• Oversee and do grievance handling with worker leaders and organizers;
• Help to organize and run meetings and large actions;
• Frequently attend multiple distant locations within a short time span in order to meet with workers at their homes and other sites. Many of these locations will not be easily accessible by public transit.

 Qualifications:

• Dedication to social and economic justice, and specifically to building a strong labor movement;
• Demonstrated skill in developing leaders, building unity within a diverse group, and inspiring others to take action;
• Demonstrated ability in running, planning and driving campaigns and goals;
• Demonstrated ability to use independent judgment within the context of an overall plan and structure;
• Excellent communication skills in one-on-one and group settings;
• Good organizational and administrative skills, including basic computer skills;
• Willing and able to travel to appropriate work sites, and to work long and irregular work hours;
• Must have valid driver’s license.

 Job Requirements:

1 year of experience as a labour/union organizer, rank and file union activist, and/or experience working with the student, immigrant, LGBTQ+, and/or environmental activist communities.

Salary: Starting salary is $62,000.

Contact: Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume outlining relevant experience and including references to [email protected]. Only candidates meeting all requirements will be contacted for interviews.

UNITE HERE Local 40 is a progressive labor union at the forefront of battles for workers’ rights, living wages, and quality jobs in cities throughout British Columbia. At UNITE HERE, we believe that “one job should be enough.” Defying standards in a hospitality industry otherwise dominated by low wages and no job protections, our members win wages and benefits that change lives and transform communities.

Communications Specialists are embedded in worker campaigns and play a crucial role in designing comprehensive communications strategies using digital platforms, earned media, and multi-media tools to raise the visibility of worker struggles. You can be part of a team that empowers people in low-wage service sector jobs to achieve better wages and benefits, dignity and basic rights at work.

Job Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

• Framing messages and developing materials for effective communication with the news media, the general public, union members, and other working people and allies.
• Developing, planning and leading communication strategies and calendars for organizing, contract and other advocacy campaigns.
• Developing and implementing proactive earned media outreach in traditional and new media, planning and organizing media events, and training workers to be spokespersons.
• Writing leaflets, bulletins, website and e-advocacy content, news releases, fact sheets, talking points, speeches, paid ads, and other materials.
• Managing the production of internal member communications, including newsletters, electronic communications using mass texting and email services, and more.
• Producing multi-media content for communications, such as photographs and short videos.
• Maintaining and updating content to websites, social media feeds, and internal electronic archives.
• Expanding the Union’s strategic use of digital communications and new social media.
• Collaborating with leaders from other departments in the development of campaign communications strategy and content.
• Working with outside consultants or vendors on special projects.
• Ensuring that all communication is consistent and reflects the Union’s strategic vision.
• Editing and revising all communications content as necessary.

Job Requirements/Qualifications:

• Minimum of one year of work experience in media relations, public affairs, or campaign communications
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to frame issues for specific audiences and develop simple, effective advocacy materials
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice
• Prior work experience with grassroots advocacy campaigns
• Proficient with Microsoft Word/Excel
• Experience with creative media production in one or more of the following areas is preferred: web development, graphic design, photography or video production/editing
• Experience using Mobile Commons or Action Network a plus
• Experience using Adobe Creative Suite software (Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign) or Final Cut Pro a plus

Salary: Starting rate is $62,000.

Benefits: Benefits include extended medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, pension, and paid time off.

Please be prepared to include in your application:

• Cover letter — Please be sure to let us know why you’re motivated to fight for workers’ rights and share any experience you have with hospitality industry or service sector work.
• Resume
• Writing sample
• Three references—preferably individuals who have supervised your work.

Contact: Interested applicants should send an application to [email protected]. Only candidates meeting all requirements will be contacted for interviews.