Business Agent, Private Sector - Oahu

Job Summary: 

Under the general supervision of the Division Director, this position independently performs assignments of a routine to complex nature in providing general services to members of UPW/AFSCME. The position involves in-depth interpersonal contact relative to contract enforcement, grievance handling, member recruitment, and other membership services. 

Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Attends staff meetings, participates in discussions and contributes meaningful input. 

• Utilizes available resources to make presentations as needed to promote union membership and activism to individuals and groups. 

• Utilizes knowledge of UPW and union issues to talk to UPW members, management, or the public, either individually or in groups, about UPW or the labor movement to solicit support for UPW. 

• Attends meetings to articulate UPW’s position to individuals or groups. With supervisory support, attends certain meetings to articulate UPW’s position or answer questions from individuals or groups. 

• Responds to the need to advocate for an individual or a group of members on workplace issues which may be non-contractual issues. 

• Serves as a resource person to members and responds to routine inquiries regarding contract provisions and departmental procedures. 

• Maintains general and current knowledge of the reallocation, pricing, 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. 

• Assists in coordinating activities for negotiations and in servicing the various Divisions and/or Units. 

• Serves as a staff support person to coordinate member or committee meetings. 

• Works on informally settling issues, complaints, disputes in the field through worksite visits, member meetings, and/or management personnel before escalation to grievance. 

• 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. 

• Solicits member volunteers for political action, community action and other activities as needed. 

• Speaks before groups on UPW/AFSCME organizational, collective bargaining, legislative, social, insurance and recreation programs. 

• Attends and participates in membership activities designed to encourage fellowship and provides any assistance necessary to contribute to the event’s success. 

• Conducts field activities that 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. 

• Provides general information and refers members to appropriate agencies in filing claims including Unemployment Insurance, Temporary Disability Insurance, and retirement benefits. 

• Conducts investigations and analyzes pertinent material and information relating to member grievances and benefit claims for assigned bargaining unit. 

• Responds appropriately to member inquiries that might be received via direct contact, phone calls, or e-mail messages. 

• Prepares grievances for presentation and representation of members in accordance with contractual provisions and keeps management apprised of grievance status. Prepares and presents arbitration recommendations for cases pending the final grievance step. 

• 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. 

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills. 

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. 

• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment. 

• Proficient with Microsoft Office 365 or other related software. 

• Ability to operate office equipment – Xerox machine, VoIP telephone, video conferencing equipment. 

• Maintain accurate records. 

• Work independently with minimal supervision and with project deadlines. 

• Maintain a positive working relationship with others.

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university. Work experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis. Such experience must have provided the knowledge, skills, and analytical ability normally gained from the attainment of a bachelor's degree. 

• At least one (1) year of experience resolving complex issues, legal matters, and/or servicing union members. 

• Knowledge of Civil Service law and other applicable State laws; State Collective Bargaining Law; governmental rules and regulations; union contracts; UPW/AFSCME internal organization; UPW/AFSCME bylaws and the respective bargaining unit bylaws; and the structure and operations of government agencies. 

• 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 UPW/AFSCME activities including after-hours events; travel off-island as required for union business; compose letters, memos, and reports and operate computers to generate documents. 

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs required. 

• Valid Hawaii Drivers’ License and personal vehicle required.