Field Rep (Grievance)

The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) is seeking a dynamic, collaborative, and experienced organizer or educator who would like to become an Grievance Representative to join its team!

The Chicago Teachers Union is a transformative labor union of nearly 30,000 teachers, paraprofessionals, clinicians, and staff in the Chicago Public Schools and charter schools. We are a global leader in the fight for educational justice, racial equity, economic justice, workers’ power and the right of all students, all people, and all communities to thrive.

Grievance Field Representative at CTU serves as the primary point of contact for union members at a school or worksite on matters related to workplace concerns, contract enforcement, and formal grievances. This role is essential to ensuring that teachers' rights are protected and that the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is upheld by the employer.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the union contract, excellent communication and problem-solving skills, and a commitment to advocating for fairness and due process in the workplace.

Primary Responsibilities

Contract Enforcement & Representation

• Serve as the first line of defense for union members facing workplace issues, discipline, or contract violations.
• Investigate complaints and workplace concerns to determine whether a grievance exists under the contract.
• Represent or accompany members in meetings with administrators, including investigatory interviews (Weingarten meetings).
• File grievances when necessary and follow appropriate timelines and procedures as outlined in the contract.

Member Support & Advocacy

• Provide guidance to members on contract rights, workplace policies, and grievance procedures.
• Act as a trusted advisor and confidential resource for teachers navigating conflict or discipline.
• Communicate regularly with members to stay aware of concerns or trends affecting working conditions.

Collaboration with Union Leadership

• Report grievances and trends to union leadership and collaborate on strategies for resolution.
• Attend union rep council or committee meetings as required.
• Work with union officers and legal counsel to escalate grievances when needed (e.g., arbitration).

Documentation & Recordkeeping

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of member issues, meetings, and grievance filings.
• Ensure all grievance steps and deadlines are met in a timely manner.

Union Engagement

• Help build solidarity and awareness of member rights at the worksite.
• Educate members about the grievance process and collective bargaining agreement.

Essential Qualifications

• 2 years experience case management, human resources, social work, teaching/education, youth development, labor movement, social justice, etc.
• Some familiarity with Chicago’s education and political landscape.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including active listening.
• Ability to build trust, resolve conflict, and motivate people to act.
• Membership in the teachers union in good standing.
• Strong working knowledge of collective bargaining agreement or willingness to learn.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, especially in conflict situations.
• Commitment to confidentiality, fairness, and due process.
• Willingness to receive training on grievance procedures, union rights, and labor law.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple processes and projects at one time.
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of public education issues and the challenges faced by teachers.
• Familiarity with collective bargaining, labor law, and union structures.
• Prior experience in union representation or labor advocacy.
• Familiarity with school district policies, employee discipline procedures, and education law.

If you do not meet all of the required qualifications, but believe this role is right for you, please apply, but be sure to uplift all experience that align with both essential and desired qualifications.

Location & Hours of Operations

CTU’s hours of operation are Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm cst, plus weekends and evenings as the work dictates.

Field Reps conduct sites visits as needed, but primary work location is CTU Headquarters.