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Union Representative Job Description

What does a Union Representative do?

A Union Representative is responsible for representing the interests of a particular trade union and its members. This involves negotiating better working conditions, salaries, and benefits for union members while also acting as a liaison between management and union members to resolve any disputes or grievances. They may also handle administrative tasks such as collecting union dues and maintaining membership records. A Union Representative must have excellent communication and leadership skills, as they serve as the voice of union members and advocate for their rights and interests. They must also stay up-to-date on relevant legal and legislative developments that may impact their union and its members.

Our Union Representative job description includes the Union Representative responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.

Union Representative Example


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If you need an example job description for a Union Representative download the one below, alternatively we have many other Human Resources (HR) job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.

What does a Union Representative do?

A Union Representative is responsible for representing the interests of union members within their organisation. They provide advice, support and guidance on issues such as pay, working hours, holidays and employment rights. The Union Representative will act as a liaison between the union and the employer, negotiating and discussing policy and changes to contracts. They will monitor and ensure compliance with employment legislation and ensure that union members are aware of their rights. The Union Representative will also represent the union in meetings and dispute resolution.

Union Representative Role Purpose

The purpose of a union representative is to represent and protect the rights and interests of union members in the workplace. This involves representing members in negotiations with management, organising and leading union activities, communicating with members and attending meetings to discuss issues and take action on their behalf. Union representatives are also responsible for ensuring compliance with employment law and collective agreements, and helping to resolve conflicts between members and management.

Union Representative Role

A Union Representative is a person who represents members of a trade union in their dealings with employers. They negotiate collective agreements, represent members in disputes, and provide advice and support on a range of employment matters.

Union Representative Duties

  • Representing workers in disputes and negotiations with employers
  • Explaining workers' rights and entitlements
  • Advising on issues such as pay, disciplinary procedures and working conditions
  • Negotiating with employers on behalf of workers
  • Liaising with trade unions and other organisations
  • Organising and attending meetings with employers
  • Providing support to workers in grievance and disciplinary hearings

Union Representative Requirements

  • Ability to represent and advocate the interests of employees
  • Knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills
  • Ability to build relationships and interact professionally with both union and non-union personnel

Union Representative Skills

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Knowledge of employment law and collective bargaining processes
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills

Union Representative Personal Traits

  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to work with a wide range of people
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Negotiation and mediation skills
  • A commitment to the aims of the union

How to write a Union Representative Job Advert

Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.

A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.

Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.

How to write a Union Representative Job Description

To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.

Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Union Representative Job Specification

The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.

Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Union Representative Job Specification

When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:

Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.

Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.

Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.

The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.

Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth. 

Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources. 

Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.

Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.

Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.

How to Hire a Union Representative

Once you have selected your Job Description download it or convert it to a Job Advert. From here you can post/advertise your job across our network of job boards. If you wish to use the job description for a CV Template click through for advice and Convert to a CV

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