Labor Economist I/II

This position will be filled at the grade commensurate with the knowledge, skills, and experience of the selected applicant. This position is responsible for performing a wide variety of analyses involving collective bargaining issues; for providing assistance to affiliates during negotiations, impasse resolution proceedings, organizing campaigns and other union activities. Analyses will involve collective bargaining issues, fiscal and budgetary issues and the review of health and/or pension benefit plans.   Responds to inquiries in areas of specialization by analyzing the issues and making recommendations. Additionally, responds to a variety of other routine requests.  This generally involves searching the files for information on the topic and answering the request, often adapting previous responses to similar requests.

Duties:

• Analyzes city, county, state and other employer financial reports and budgets to determine feasibility and fiscal impact of affiliate union proposals.
• Analysis may be used for contract negotiations, arbitrations or other impasse proceedings.
• Document analysis and recommendations and prepares appropriate exhibits where appropriate.
• Researches and compiles job descriptions and wage and benefits data from employers and analyzes comparisons to assist affiliate unions.
• Assists in compiling data necessary for the annual determination of dues amounts.
• Analyzes health benefit and/or pension plans of affiliates and offers alternatives to increases in cost to members.
• May give advice during negotiations and impasse procedures.
• Prepares and may present economic exhibits, arguments and counterarguments, and testimony.
• May be asked to prepare and present testimony before city councils, county and state legislatures, and the press.
• Conducts briefings and workshops at meetings and conferences to explain or outline key issues.
• Prepares session outlines and materials, secures needed equipment and makes the presentations.
• Writes occasional articles, manuals and fact sheets on program areas of concentration.
• Tracks workplace issues and trends concerning specific occupations to communicate with members and affiliate unions about developments in that field.
• Analyzes contracts to help affiliates draft stronger language to improve worker conditions.
• Summarizes major AFSCME contract settlements, indicating wage and benefit changes and language modifications.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, advanced degree desirable with course work in, depending on specific duties, economics, employee benefits, or labor relations and a minimum of three (3) years of experience which provides the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Skills Requirements:

• Thorough knowledge of labor unions and organizing.
• Thorough knowledge of economic program analysis and projections.
• Thorough knowledge of collective bargaining process and issues.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to write reports and make presentations.
• Ability to conduct sound research and make logical conclusions.
• Ability to formulate program strategies and respond to formal information requests.
• Ability to perform economic analysis.
• Advanced skills in the use of personal computers and database software.
• CEBS certification preferred.

Travel & Work hours 

• Travel and extended work hours including weekends are required.
• Valid driver’s license required.