UFCW 1518 Organizer-in-Training (OIT) is a member program that offers you the opportunit to access training in organizing, mobilizing, and campaign planning, with hands-on experience through skills-building sessions, one-on-one mentorship, and engagement with non-unionized workers. If you are interested in not only building worker power in non-union workplaces, but also organizing for economic and social justice causes outside of the workplace, this program is for you!Â
This program combines practical skills in organizing, on-the-ground mobilizing, and campaign planning to prepare participants to become labour activists in their communities. As an OIT, you will gain hands-on labour organizing experience by engaging with non-unionized workers while gaining one-on-one mentorship from experienced organizers.
By the end of the program, participants will have a thorough understanding of the organizing process and how they can help build worker power in their communities!
Key Qualifications
In addition to the above key qualifications, applicants should also be:
All UFCW 1518 members in good standing are eligible to become an OIT. Ideal candidates will be passionate about social justice, the labour movement, and fighting for worker rights!
OITs will be compensated at their normal hourly rate for the duration of the program. UFCW 1518 will reimburse your employer for wages and you will maintain the same benefits you are currently provided by your employer.
Applicants aren’t required to have and prior experience in organizing. OITs will take part in trainings and workshops held by experienced organizers – we’ll help you grow into a union activist!
When your OIT placement is complete, you will return to your workplace with no changes to your prior job classification, wages, hours, benefits and position. You’ll gain all the benefits of the program, without any impact on your permanent role.
OIT placements can range anywhere from 30 days to several months depending on the length of the special project. Selected applicants will be invited to interview for the role and learn more about the project and its duration.
You can contact your UFCW 1518 Representative to learn more about the program.Â
Not sure who your rep is? Find out here.
Please complete this application form to share your organizing, volunteer, and leadership experience – both inside and outside of your workplace.
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