NYS Public Employees Federation
Field Representative
Long Island
The NYS Public Employees Federation (PEF) is a diverse and powerful New York State labor union
committed to creating a better life for our members. We represent around 50,000 professional,
scientific, and technical workers in NYS government. Members include healthcare, education,
corrections and supervision, youth services, direct care, and other professional titles.
Position Summary:
The individual’s main function is to protect the Bargaining Unit Member's and the Union's rights under
the Collective Bargaining Agreement, applicable laws, rules, and regulations through a variety of means
including negotiations, grievance handling, Taylor Law improper practice processing, organizing, and
otherwise exercising their expert labor/management skills in achieving gains for PEF and its
membership. Moreover, our Field Representatives are the focal point of the union's service delivery
system and is responsible for ensuring that problems identified by the membership or leadership which
are not within their sphere of responsibility are communicated to the appropriate PEF Department and
then act as a facilitator and conduit for the responses to the inquiries. In delivering PEF resources they
will comply with and be advocates for all policies as set forth by the Convention Delegates, President,
and Executive Board.
Position is a mix of travel and office-based work on Long Island.
Responsibilities:
1. Respond to the applicable Director of Field Services expressed needs including acceptance and
timely performance of all appropriate assignments, production of regular reports, attendance
at meetings, etc. Keep the Director and Regional Coordinator informed of all work site issues in
area of responsibility in a timely manner.
2. In the role of innovative advocate, and with the goal being to enhance the quality of PEF
members' work lives, a Field Representative counsels in a timely manner employees and PEF
leaders of their rights and various options available for accomplishing this goal.
3. Except in the cases of termination, represent grievances in disciplinary matters up to and
including arbitration. This includes representation at interrogations and non-termination
Section 72 hearings. In addition, represent PEF and grievances at contract arbitrations and in
PERB cases.
4. Train, advise and assist local and, where appropriate, statewide PEF representatives in all
aspects of their advocacy roles including the Contract, Labor Management, and Grievance
processing. In addition, familiarize them with labor relations concepts such as FLSA, ADA, Taylor
Law, Civil Service Laws, Rules and Regulations, Duty of Fair Representation (DFR) etc. Conduct
orientation/training sessions for new stewards within a reasonable period of time of their
election within assigned areas.
5. In conjunction with other Departments, provide assistance and information regarding PESH
complaints, workers’ compensation claims, unemployment insurance claims, requests for
reasonable accommodations, human rights complaints and other statutory and regulatory
processes that affect PEF members’ employment.
6. Advocate for the creation of functional labor/management teams in each facility. Be
responsible for the training of the team, assisting in the creation of the L/M agenda, functioning
as the expert adviser to the team on labor relations matters, attending the pre and formal L/M
meetings, maintaining the record of "commitments" made at each meeting, and sharing this
record with the local leadership and the Statewide Director of Field Services within 2 weeks of
the meeting. Serve as PEF President’s designee on agency statewide L/M Committees as
assigned.
7. During a period of possible reductions in force, act as a resource for local members on Civil
Service layoff procedures. In conjunction with other departments investigate and take
appropriate action in response to any reduction in force irregularities brought to their
attention.
8. Advise and assist Council Leaders, or other PEF members, and PEF Staff in implementing local
internal organizing campaigns.
9. When assigned, may act as lead Staff in Contract negotiations of current and new PEF
represented bargaining units.
10. Keep him/herself informed of the general policies and purposes of PEF and informed on the
general developments in the field of public employee labor relations with particular emphasis
on laws, decisions and developments effecting all PEF represented bargaining units. Be
responsible for communicating this information to the local PEF leaders and members.
11. Conduct regular work site visits to review and be kept informed of Labor Relations and other
work site issues germane to PEF as experienced by these leaders and their members. Report
same to the Director.
12. Perform special assignments as required.
13. Consistent and reliable attendance.
Qualifications:
Experience as an elected Union official and/or staff representative who is skilled in grievance
handling, organizing, Taylor Law procedures, and the negotiations process.
A college degree with emphasis in labor relations or related field is preferred.
Must have the ability and willingness to work flexible hours and travel throughout the day
(possibly overnight when the need arises).
Driver's license and access to a vehicle are required.
Successful candidate must demonstrate:
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate (both written and verbal) with
staff, union members & elected members, and our executive team.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite: Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
Strong organizational skills including time management and attention to detail.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary Range: $71,029.00 (minimum) - $99,798.00 (maximum).
Salaries above include a downstate adjustment of $4,679.00.
You will receive a transportation allowance of $625.00 per month.
Under a collective bargaining agreement, PEF offers excellent benefits, such as:
Health insurance with Health Reimbursement (HRA)
Employer paid dental and vision insurance
Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)
Employer paid life and long-term disability insurance
401-k with safe harbor contribution
Pension plan through SEIU
Paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal time
Tuition reimbursement and on-going professional development
Interested individuals are invited to submit their resume to HR@PEF.org