Field Representative

Who we are:

HTC is the union of hotel and gaming workers in New York and New Jersey. We are widely recognized as the most powerful union in this industry in the world, with the best contracts. Our largely immigrant membership enjoys a middle class lifestyle that is unheard of in an industry where workers are generally exploited and living in poverty. The children of our members have the opportunity to go to college and become professionals because of their parents’ hard work.

Unlike most unions, our membership is expanding, and in the last ten years our membership has grown from 25,000 to over 40,000. In state and local politics, we are famous for our clout and for “punching above our weight.” That’s because our membership loves their union and actively volunteers more than most union members. This is largely due to the fact that we are very serious about having an excellent, talented staff.

If you want to fight for and win social justice, this is the best place to do it.

The Role:

Field Representatives do some of the most critical work in our union — representing our members and enforcing the contract. They need to be able to investigate cases, present persuasive arguments, and logically analyze how the complex fact patterns of a case apply to the law (the collective bargaining agreement, past practice in the industry, contract interpretations by arbitrators, and union policy). A Field Representative is responsible for solving union members’ issues on the job, making the union stronger by organizing and educating members to support the union, and making the employers respect and fear the union.

Field Representatives handle many kinds of grievances for the membership. Besides the typical cases like disciplinary, there are many grievances related to every aspect of our members’ lives at work, including:

  • Health and safety violations;
  • Unfair working conditions;
  • Harassment, or verbal or physical abuse by supervisors;
  • Discrimination of all kinds
  • Employer theft of wages;
  • Favoritism;
  • Abusive scheduling;
  • Sexual Harassment

Unlike most employees, our union members have contractual rights not to be disciplined without just cause, extensive rights to due process, and strong grievance rights. Our union has a proud tradition of solving grievances throughout direct action in the shop. Representatives frequently lead delegations of workers into managers’ office to put pressure on them to resolve problems. Some of your responsibilities as the Field Representative will include, but limited to the following:

  • Holding referenda for union delegates
  • Developing and training leaders within the rank and file of the union
  • Inspecting the workplace for health and safety violations
  • Monitoring working conditions
  • Negotiating agreements
  • Organizing and leading picket lines

Advancement:

Applicants for this job need guts, passion and the will to succeed. Successful Field Representatives can expect accelerated promotion to high leadership positions.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree;
  • Demonstrated commitment to social justice;
  • Ability to motivate and inspire others;
  • Ability to communicate respectfully and comfortably with people from diverse backgrounds;
  • Ability to communicate well, both verbally and in writing;
  • Ability to handle physically and mentally demanding assignments;
  • Thorough attention to details;
  • Ability to multitask, work efficiently, be well organized and reliable;
  • Willingness to work long hours, often on short (or immediate) notice;
  • Resourcefulness and talent for problem-solving;
  • Ability to learn quickly and grow into positions of greater responsibility;
  • Persistence and determination;
  • Loyal to the organization with a sense of integrity;
  • Good judgment

Extra consideration will be given for ANY of the following qualifications:

  • Valid driver’s license;
  • Bilingual (in addition to English), especially in Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Russian, Polish or Bengali;
  • Ability to write persuasively, clearly, and concisely;
  • Analytical skills necessary to interpret contract language; investigate and process grievances
  • Experience working in the hotel, restaurant, hospitality, or other service industries.

Salary

Commensurate with experience, $72,000 - $100,000.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Optical, and Prescription Drugs with family coverage (including domestic partners), Pension, 401(k), Pre-paid Legal, Flexible Spending Accounts, Life Cycle Benefits, Long-Term Care Insurance, and other benefits.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and a cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line “Field Representative #CE#.” The cover letter should be clear and concise and explain the specific reasons for your interest in the position, and specify (with appropriate explanation) which of each of the listed qualifications you possess and which ones you do not possess.

The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, AFL-CIO, is an equal opportunity employer. All persons regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, religious affiliation and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply.