The Denver Newspaper Guild has supported successful organizing at 25 workplaces over the past decade, recently winning representation for workers at Out Nebraska, Blue Bench and Nebraska Appleseed. As the local expands it’s looking to add a local organizer to its staff.
Local Organizer
The Denver Newspaper Guild is a union representing newspapers, other types of newsrooms, non-profits, union staffers, and political workers across the Mountain West and Midwest. There are currently 39 bargaining units representing over 400 members across 36 workplaces.
The Local Organizer is responsible for supporting new workers as they form their unions and guiding them through the entire process, from outreach to a signed contract. Additionally, they are responsible for negotiating successor agreements with existing bargaining units, developing internal organizing programs, and occasionally representing workers in the grievance and arbitration process.
This job often requires evening work and may occasionally require weekend work. However, we encourage employees to flex their time as needed to maintain healthy work-life balance, as long as they are attending required meetings and completing their work. This position is located in Denver, Colorado, but occasional travel is required.
Job Duties:
- Intake of organizing leads and assessment of campaign vitality.
- Supporting newly unionizing workplaces as they develop support in an underground campaign, and as they work to gain certification of their bargaining unit through voluntary recognition or an election.
- Leading trainings for internal and external organizing campaigns.
- Guiding new unions through the process of electing a bargaining committee and negotiating a first contract – including developing proposals, analyzing priorities from the bargaining unit, and attending bargaining sessions.
- Negotiating successor agreements and building internal pressure campaigns.
- Coordinating with District and National staff on campaigns and in regular check-ins.
- Develop a strategic organizing plan for the local that involves rank and file members.
- Minor database work and bookkeeping as needed.
The ideal candidate will:
- Have experience going through all of CWA’s four stages of organizing;
- Know how to navigate campaigns for both voluntary recognition and NLRB elections;
- Be able to maintain an organization system that allows them to keep track of many moving parts;
- Be willing to work evenings on Zoom or in-person;
- Communicate effectively with the Executive Officer, local elected officials, workers, and staff at our CWA district, CWA/TNG national, or other locals;
- Keep a level head and work effectively in stressful or time-sensitive situations;
- Be prepared to juggle the needs of multiple situations at the same time.
Pay is $72,000 annually, salaried. Employees have access to full medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, and life insurance. Denver Newspaper Guild pays 100% of employee premiums for medical insurance. Employees are eligible for enrollment in TNG’s pension system and a 401(k) investment and match.