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Union Representative - Kauai

Starting pay: $61,500 annually

Position Title: Union Representative – Kauai Division

Reports To: Division Director
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Kauai
Effective Date: 02/17/2026

Position Summary

The Union Representative supports the United Public Workers (UPW) in protecting and advancing the rights of its members through training, investigations, member services, grievance handling, and outreach. Under general supervision, the Union Representative assists higher-level staff with representation, education, and organizing activities while gradually developing the knowledge and skills necessary to independently advocate for members.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Training & Development

Attends orientation and training sessions.
Learns objectives, rules, regulations, policies, methods, and procedures relating to labor law.
Accompanies higher-level Union Representatives on field investigations and certification activities as an observer.

Investigations & Case Support

Assists in investigations by performing tasks with specific instructions.
Assists with investigations and certification activities by preparing forms and reports.
Conducts routine investigations and analyzes relevant material and information relating to member grievances and benefit claims for the assigned bargaining unit.
Assists with workers’ compensation intake, including helping with applications, making recommendations, and monitoring cases.

Member Services & Advocacy

Provides general information and refers members to appropriate agencies in filing claims, including Unemployment Insurance, Temporary Disability Insurance, retirement benefits, merit appeal boards, and internal complaints.
Responds to the need to advocate for an individual or group of members on workplace issues, including non-contractual issues.
Serves as a resource for members and responds to routine inquiries regarding contract provisions and the employer’s departmental policies and procedures.
Responds appropriately to member inquiries received via direct contact, phone calls, or email messages.

Grievance & Arbitration Representation

Participates in grievance preparation and representation of members in accordance with contractual provisions and keeps management apprised of grievance status.
Prepares and presents arbitration recommendations for cases pending the final grievance step.
May represent members in grievance arbitration cases, including preparing the theory of the case, making opening and closing statements, preparing and examining witnesses, and applying common rules of evidence.

Negotiations & Organizational Support

Assists in coordinating activities for negotiations and in servicing the various Divisions and/or Units.
Accompanies higher-level Union Representatives on field activities that may involve union elections, educational and informational meetings, membership services, departmental visits and meetings, committee and panel assignments, and other special projects.
Maintains current knowledge of the reallocation, pricing, and recruitment/examination processes and related rules and regulations in order to respond to basic inquiries from members and assess whether inquiries indicate potential contract violations or require technical follow-up.

Outreach, Education & Events

Attends meetings to articulate UPW’s position to individuals or groups. With supervisory support, attends certain meetings to articulate UPW’s position or answer questions from individuals or groups.
Attends and participates in membership activities designed to encourage fellowship and helps contribute to the event’s success.
Utilizes knowledge of UPW and union issues to communicate with members, management, or the public, individually or in groups, about UPW or the labor movement to solicit support.
Speaks before groups on UPW organizational, collective bargaining, legislative, social, insurance, and recreational programs.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to speak before groups and produce clear reports and correspondence.
Effective analytical and problem-solving skills, including interpreting contract language, investigating grievances, and preparing proposals.
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
Ability to exercise good judgment, maintain confidentiality, and work independently.
Commitment to union values, social justice, and improving the position of working people through collective action.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) or equivalent software.
Ability to operate standard office equipment such as copiers, VoIP phone systems, and video conferencing tools.
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with a high level of professionalism.
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and irregular hours, including off-island travel as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
At least one (1) year of experience servicing union members, resolving complex issues, and/or handling legal or labor relations matters.
One (1) year of administrative experience preferred.
General knowledge of civil service law, collective bargaining statutes, union contracts, UPW division and bargaining unit bylaws, and government agency structures preferred.
Possession of a valid Hawaii Driver’s License and access to a personal vehicle for business use required.

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to fifteen (15) pounds occasionally.
Ability to travel interisland and work extended, or irregular hours as required.

Work Environment

Office-based environment with occasional travel for meetings, site visits, and UPW events.
Exposure to varying weather conditions when traveling or conducting field work.

Benefits & Perks:

At UPW, we value our employees and offer a competitive benefits package to support your well-being and work-life balance:

✅ Comprehensive Health Coverage – 100% employer-paid medical for single plans (60/40 for two-party & family), plus dental & vision.

✅ Generous Leave – Enjoy 21 days of vacation, 21 days of sick leave, and 15 paid holidays, including your birthday and General Election Day off.

✅ 401(k) with Generous Employer Contribution – After one year, UPW contributes 16% of your base salary to your retirement, with additional employee contribution options.

✅ Mileage & Phone Allowance – Reimbursement for work-related travel and a $30 per paycheck phone stipend.

Join us and be part of a team that takes care of you!

To apply for the position, please submit your application using the form below.

UPW is an equal opportunity employer, and, as such, does not discriminate against an employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, age, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, disability, or any other classification protected from discrimination under applicable law.

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For each position of interest, please send a separate submission with uploaded cover letter and resume (PDF only).

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