Leadership role
Labor / Union Representative
Represents union members in bargaining, grievances and workplace issues on behalf of a labor organization.
Reporting and scope
Reports to a business manager, local president or regional director of the union. Authority covers an assigned set of bargaining units or worksites.
Core responsibilities
- Negotiates and enforces collective bargaining agreements
- Handles grievances and prepares arbitration cases
- Organizes new members and runs campaigns
- Advises members on contract rights and workplace safety
- Keeps records for the union's LM and Form 990 reporting
- Works with stewards and member committees
How it differs
Union presidents and secretary-treasurers are elected officers who lead the organization; they are better matched to President or Executive Director / CEO. The Director of Government Affairs lobbies legislators rather than representing members at work.
By organization size
At a small local the representative may be the only full-time staff. Large internationals employ many representatives under regional directors.
Filings from the last five years mapped to this role commonly report titles such as: Business Agent; Recording Secretary; Financial Secretary; Organizer; Lineman; Business Rep