Jobs in Labor Unions

Labor unions are always looking for people dedicated to improving the world. Job possibilities can be found here.

Working for a labor union is both very demanding and extremely rewarding. You won’t get rich … but you’ll be able to help others benefit from better jobs and better pay.

Although labor unions certainly hire those with excellent academic backgrounds, they are just as interested in finding people who have relevant experience: participation in some type of progressive activism and significant experience in any job (particularly bad jobs!). Many attending CSUSB have excellent backgrounds for union work: they have managed to get to college although they come from a background in which such academic achievement is unusual.  

Unions are looking for people who are willing to work hard, who don’t give up in the face of great difficulty, and who can “relate” to working people.

The types of jobs unions offer include (information from http://career.berkeley.edu/Article/041001a-sd.stm):
 

• Organizers recruit and mobilize workers and identify, train and develop workplace leaders. They conduct meetings, trainings and actions to educate people about their rights and to explain the organizing process. They also develop and manage campaigns for union recognition and identify community activists and politicians who will support the cause.
• Field Representatives represent chapters and members before employers and public agencies. They defend members at disciplinary hearings and research and investigate member and chapter problems.
• Legislative (Political Action) Advocates develop and pursue a strategic legislative agenda, preparing written fact sheets, letters of support and opposition, and other communications on legislative and administrative issues. They also present written and oral testimony before legislative and administrative bodies and research and analyze legislative proposals introduced by unions and legislators.
• Researchers support the mission of unions by conducting in-depth economic analyses and industry research to help develop and implement strategic campaigns.
• Communications Organizers implement communication strategy through public events, union presentations and political campaign messages. They draft newsletter articles, internal communications and talking points, produce media releases, and they hold press conferences and maintain contact with journalists.
• Business Agents (or Union Executives) provide representation to members through the arbitration level and manage contract negotiations. They also lead internal organizing efforts, train and develop union leadership and communications systems, as well as appear before governmental boards, commissions and councils and endorse candidates for political office.