Chief of Staff

at  Power Workers Union

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

The successful applicant must have at least ten years of experience as a PWU Staff Officer or equivalent. Must possess a deep understanding of the workings of the PWU including: the PWU Constitution, its representative structures, PWU Sector operations, PWU Hiring Hall operations, PWU Staff and departments, PWU interactions and agreements with other unions, PWU affiliations and the work that PWU members perform. Must have a good knowledge of trade union organizations.
The successful applicant must have excellent writing skills and a demonstrated background in all forms of communications. Should have and a working knowledge of electricity policy. Must have demonstrated experience in preparing briefs and reports. Must possess expertise in running meetings and making verbal presentations to all types of meetings including membership meetings, special committee meetings, external organizations, service providers and policy makers.
The successful applicant must have excellent problem solving and negotiating skills. Must have a sound understanding of health benefit and pension plans. Must have a working knowledge of the Ontario Labour Relations Act and Employment Standards Act and basic awareness of other legislation relevant to trade unions. Must have a working knowledge of and experience in bargaining unit certification processes.
The successful applicant must have the ability to mentor and provide training to other PWU Staff and elected representatives as directed by the President. Must possess excellent organizational skills.
Formal education should include completion of post-secondary studies or equivalent. The applicant should indicate the various secondary and post-secondary institutions attended and appropriate transcripts. The applicant should indicate any additional training completed that is relevant to this position.
This position requires that the incumbent drive to meetings and other events in locations remote from the PWU office and therefore the incumbent must have and maintain a valid Ontario driver’s license. Applicant must provide copy of the valid driver’s license with his/her application.

Under the direct supervision of the President, be responsible for the following:

• Assist the President, Executive Committee, Executive Board and other elected representatives in representation of the membership as required;
• Assist the President with all Government Relations, meetings/activities;
• Assist the President’s office with external Union Relations, meetings/activities;
• Assist the President with Energy Sector Strategies and communications;
• Attend Executive Committee, Executive Board, Sector and Union Committee and other meetings as required;
• Assist and mentor PWU Staff;
• Assist the PWU President with labour relations issues related to PWU Staff;
• Assist in the coordination and implementation of PWU organizing activities;
• Undertake special assignments as required;
• Provide input into developing and organizing PWU Staff, member and representative training courses as required;
• Assist in writing briefs, reports and submissions for various levels of government and organizations within the trade union movement and generally engage in government relations as required;
• Assist in developing and maintaining partnerships, agreements and arrangements with other unions as required;
• Assist the Communications Department in strategy development and action plans as required;
• Write, coordinate, edit and produce all forms of internal and external communications including bulletins, videos, newsletters, articles, letters, regulatory submissions, advertisements etc. as required;
• Lead/Assist bargaining committees during negotiations as required;
• Assist in the negotiation and development of language for all types of agreements, as required;
• Communicate with employers and their representatives regarding active grievances, potential grievances and other workplace issues as required;
• Interpret relevant collective agreements and related documents;
• Check and verify corporate policies, directives, instructions and management guidelines to ensure they do not contravene legislation or the terms of collective agreements as required;
• Represent the Union to the membership, elected officers and management at various locations;
• Conduct meetings, or assist elected officers in conducting meetings, to inform, educate and advise the membership and Union representatives in all phases of the Union’s activities;
• Other duties as required.