SEIU Healthcare is a union of more than 67,000 members who are frontline healthcare workers in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and homecare agencies in communities throughout Ontario. We advocate with our members by launching progressive member driven programs, adapting best practices, and encouraging new and innovative ideas. We strive to create a society where workers are valued and rewarded for their work. As a result, thriving workers have a greater opportunity to participate and lead in building healthy communities. We provide a strong voice through collective bargaining, labour relations, and political action to ensure frontline workers are heard and respected when decisions about healthcare are being made.
We are looking for individuals with a desire to amplify the voice of workers. If you are passionate about labour and social justice, share our values, and want to work toward changing the lives of workers, then a career with SEIU Healthcare is for you!
For more information, visit www.seiuhealthcare.ca.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The role of the Union Organizer is to organize, represent, and mobilize workers while providing leadership to and coordination of members, and non-union workers. In this role, you will be assigned to lead in one or more of the following areas of responsibility:
- External Organizing and/or Strategic Campaigns
These assignments will vary from time to time based on the needs of the organization. Organizers are responsible for developing and executing multiple organizing campaign strategies which endeavour to identify and develop workplace leaders who can successfully form and certify a union in their workplace and build strong unit cohesion. In addition to developing and executing their own campaign strategies. Organizers participate in a variety of campaign setting as assigned, both internally and externally.
This position will report to the Organizing Manager and is full-time working at our Office in Richmond Hill.
Number of positions available: 2
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Participate in all aspects of organizing including conducting house calls, phone calls, leafleting, securing list work, mapping and charting campaign information, working with inside committees as well as building and managing lists.
- Develops and executes internal and external organizing strategies for their assignment that advances the strategic plan of the organization to build a strong union through an active and engaged membership;
- Works to continually recruit and mentor workers and member leaders to foster consistent worksite communication and member leaderships structures;
- Leads workers and members in the development and implementation of workplace actions to solve issues, win collective bargaining agreements, and build a strong union at each worksite;
- Supports other departments and programs in the organization to ensure member participation in union campaigns and initiatives;
- Provides support to members, resolves issues, and refers them to appropriate internal or external support structures where required;
- Builds and maintains productive employer relationships within their assignment wherever possible;
- Conduct individual/group meetings with workers to discuss and plan organizing campaigns.
- Build strong functional relationships with workers based on their specific job and the challenges the face and act as a resources for explaining the organizing process, their rights and support workers in forming their union.
- Develop and execute get out the vote (GOTV) organizing campaign strategies as assigned.
- Maintain a thorough understanding of provincial labour laws as they affect union organizing.
- Motivate individual workers and groups of workers to take action;
- Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION BACKGROUND
At SEIU Healthcare, we understand that the best people do not always have the same access and opportunities to education, and while post-secondary education is always preferred, we want to make sure nothing stands in the way of finding the right person.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- The position requires a minimum of three (3) years experience in union organizing programs
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
- The position requires demonstrated knowledge of labour relations and excellent judgement skills to provide sound direction and advice to members and staff.
- This position requires a solid understanding of the sections of the Ontario Labour Relations Act (OLRA) related to establishment of bargaining rights by certification, termination of bargaining rights, unfair labour practices and all related processes established by the Ontario Labour Relations Board on their Rules of Procedure.
- The position requires demonstrated leadership skills including the ability to be an effective team member to create an environment that advances the principles and values of SEIU Healthcare.
- The position requires the ability to work with a diverse group of union staff and member leaders and lead in such a way to advance equity and inclusion of everyone in the union.
- The position requires exceptional attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines and respond to multiple and changing priorities.
- The position requires a high level of facilitation and leadership skills in collaborative work.
- The position requires excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership skills, with an ability to exercise tact, sound judgment, and commitment to confidentiality.
- The position requires a high level of autonomous decision making and problem-solving skills.
- The position requires strong planning skills, ability to discern priorities, and manage multiple responsibilities.
- The position requires excellent oral and written communication skills.
- The position requires a willingness to work long and irregular hours, including weekends and evenings and holidays as required.
- The position requires excellent interpersonal communication, listening, conflict resolution, consensus building, and organizing persuasion with union members, staff, and allies.
- Experience as a SEIU Healthcare member is highly desirable.
LICENSES.CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED
- This position requires that the position holder maintain a valid driver's license and car at all times during the employment relationship.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS / ENVIRONMENT
- Office work may involve prolonged periods of sitting at a workstation and repetitive movements associated with such tasks.
- Field work may involve extended periods away from home, long hours, and exposure to both physically and mentally demanding environments.
- Evening and weekend work may be required. Work hours will vary to meet operational needs.
- Prolonged use of a computer.
- Frequent use of the telephone.
- Driving, air travel, cross-border travel, and attendance at off-site meetings.
- Frequent long-distance travel by motor vehicle.
- Must be able to lift and transport boxes containing various materials to and from meetings.
- Exposure to medical, healthcare, and office environments.
How to Apply
Written applications that detail your qualifications and experience should be submitted on our career portal.
Salary and other terms and conditions are in accordance with the field staff collective agreement. Please note that the Employer reserves the right to transfer or assign staff anywhere within the SEIU Local 1 Canada jurisdiction.
Vacancy Disclosure
This posting is to fill an existing vacancy within SEIU Healthcare.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
Please note that SEIU Healthcare may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in screening, assessment, or selection of applicants for this position.
WHY SEIU HEALTHCARE?
At SEIU Healthcare, you will find a dynamic and inclusive environment where employees are valued and rewarded for their work. Here are a few things that set us apart:
- Inclusive workplace culture
- Excellent health, dental and insurance benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees
- Generous vacation and sick leave benefits, inclusive supplemental unemployment benefits
- Fully sponsored employer pension plan
- Investment in employee growth - personal and professional development options
- Working towards a common goal by making a real difference in the lives of people
SEIU Healthcare thanks all applicants for their interest. We are committed to diversity in our workplace and encourage applications from all visible minority groups, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities among other self-identified diverse groups. We also provide accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (‘AODA’). If you require accommodation for a disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please notify Human Resources. Please note that only individuals who are selected for interviews will be contacted.
