Salary Range: $80,932.66 – $103,073.27

This is a full-time position for a Local Representative. The Local Representative  will primarily work with bargaining units to win strong contracts, hold employers accountable, and develop and support member-driven contract campaigns with escalating collective actions tied to bargaining.  The Washington-Baltimore News Guild (WBNG) represents workers across the Mid-Atlantic and the South in news, progressive non-profit, and labor union industries, many of which reside in Right to Work States. WBNG Members work at a variety of large national employers such as Politico and E&E News, The Washington Post, Tribune Publishing Company, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and the AFL-CIO. The Local Representative should be comfortable supporting diverse workings in both an in-person and virtual environment, in small and large units, and in for-profit and nonprofit organizations. WBNG is a member-led union and your primary goal will be to build worker power through organizing and mobilization. 

WBNG is the union for more than 3,000 news, information, nonprofit and labor organization workers in the mid-Atlantic and beyond. Together, we hold our employers accountable and ensure that our workplaces reflect our values, which include ensuring everyone is free from harassment and retaliation, earns equal pay for equal work and has a voice in their workplace.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Providing contract analysis and bargaining expertise to members to bargain and win strong contracts, including serving as chief negotiator, when necessary, consistent with requirements of the TNG constitution and WBNG bylaws;
• Working with members and workers to develop and execute campaigns for first contracts, issue organizing and renewal contracts in support of the Local’s internal and external organizing goals;
• Recruiting and training committees of workers, officers, and stewards to build strong, democratic leadership infrastructures within each unit;
• Preparing and presenting grievances and arbitration as the principal union advocate;
• Identify violations of labor law and, where appropriate, recommending and filing unfair labor practices;
• Coordinate with WBNG and NewsGuild-CWA Staff to set goals, track progress, and work through challenges;

 Required Qualifications:

• At least 3-5 years of experience with contract negotiations;
• Commitment to empower workers;
• Excellent leadership and motivational skills;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including excellent “one-on-one” interpersonal communications and ability to navigate complex interpersonal relationships;
• Experience with private-sector contract campaigns and associated federal law including, but not limited to, labor law;
• Experience assisting members in developing contract proposals and in conducting effective negotiation;
• Demonstrated ability to train, educate, and coordinate others;
• Ability to work well on a team;
• Ability to self-motivate, work independently, and stay on task and on time;
• Ability to accept and apply feedback and constructive criticism from the Executive Director or other supervisor;
• Excellent computer  skills;
• Willingness to travel and work long and irregular hours, including nights and weekends, as required;

Nice-to-Have Skills/Experience:

• Bilingual in Spanish and English;
• Previous experience as a member of a union;
• Previous experience working with Journalists and other Media Workers;
• Experience with organizing open shops within the context of Right to Work.

Salary and Benefits: The salary range for this job is $80,932.66 – $103,073.27 per year depending on skills and experience, and the position comes with substantial benefits. This position is covered by a current collective bargaining agreement with the WBNG Staff Union that includes the opportunity for at least 10 telework days per month.

The ideal candidate should be available to start immediately. 

To Apply: Please apply here.

WBNG is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Women, people of color, those with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community are strongly encouraged to apply.

Posted: June 10, 2024