Construction Organizer Job Description

WJW is a Madison, WI worker center that advances justice by building collective worker power together with Faith and Labor allies. Our worker center partners primarily with low-wage and immigrant workers, empowering them to fight workplace injustice through education, community building, and collective actions.

The Construction Organizer will develop campaigns with area workers against the misclassification and wage theft of construction employees in South-Central Wisconsin.

If you have questions, contact Program Director Robert Christl at robert@workerjustice.org or 608-866-0651. To apply, send Cover Letter and Resume to Robert’s email.

Position Overview:

• Reports to: Program Director
• Location: Office/field
• Time Commitment: 40 hours per week
• Starting Salary: $50-52K per year plus benefits

Primary Responsibilities:

• Campaigning: Develop a long-term vision for campaigns that organize non-union workers in the construction industry who are suffering the consequences of misclassification. Partner with WJW staff, union and non-union workers, volunteers, and community allies to build collective worker power
• Organizing / Educating: Visit problematic workplaces and speak with construction workers between shifts, build community awareness, and escalate workplace campaigns
  • • Foster a culture of solidarity among construction workers
    • Assist workers with cases dealing with a range of problems including, but not limited to: wage theft, low wages, discrimination, unsafe and/or unpleasant working conditions, and overwork
    • Educate workers about their rights through trainings and individual intakes and connect those interested in unionizing with local union leaders
    • Bring workers together for collective actions such as pickets, protests, strikes, and other forms of direct action
• Community Outreach: Take part in community outreach (i.e. organizing tabling events, flyering, and speaking on radio programs). Represent WJW at meetings with union partners

Qualifications:

• Fluency in Spanish and English: Ability to read, write, and speak both languages fluently
• Labor Organizing: Familiarity with the construction industry is preferred but not required. Experience with and passion for community building, especially in the Hispanic immigrant communities
• Commitment to Excellence: Goal-oriented and strong leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Must have the ability to motivate and train personnel, volunteers, and workers and be able to create a sense of empowerment within the group
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills and comfortable speaking with individuals and groups
• Learning: Desire to learn continuously about labor issues and collective worker organizing
• Software Knowledge: Google Drive, Microsoft Office, Salesforce (familiarity is appreciated, ability to learn new software is essential)
• Reliable Transportation: This role requires frequently going out into the community

Benefits:

• Paid vacation (2 weeks first year, 3 weeks after completion of 2nd year)
• Paid sick leave
• Paid holidays
• 401K
• Health insurance
• Yearly salary increases