Qualified individuals are invited to apply for a temporary bilingual position of Research Representative, to operate from the Maritimes Regional Office of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, located in Fredericton, New Brunswick. This position is available immediately and is expected to continue until December 31, 2025.

** The successful candidate may ask for the position to be elsewhere in the province; subject to operational requirements the request may be considered**

GENERAL FUNCTION

The Research Representative will provide technical research assistance to the Maritimes Region servicing staff and CUPE local unions, councils, sector committees and the Division as directed by the Maritimes Regional Director in consultation with the Research Branch Director.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Under the direction of the Maritimes Regional Director, and with close liaison with the Research Branch, the successful applicant will be required to perform some or all the following functions:

  • Conduct research and provide analysis, advice and material concerning the political, social, economic and collective bargaining program for CUPE in the region assigned.
  • Practice inclusive research and ensure equity and representation throughout the work.
  • Prepare regional surveys of wages, working conditions and fringe benefits.
  • Develop a regional data bank of collective bargaining information to be used by local and regional bargaining units and staff in substantiating collective bargaining goals.
  • In cooperation with the national departments and field representatives, conduct collective bargaining policy conferences for provincial and regional occupational groupings within CUPE.
  • Prepare and present briefs for submission to boards of conciliation, arbitration, and other boards of enquiry.
  • Advise staff and local unions on specialized aspects of collective bargaining, e.g. employee benefit plans.
  • Train CUPE field representatives and membership in research methods and techniques.
  • Act as regional liaison with the MRMS Collective Agreements.
  • Prepare material for policy statements, articles, speeches for officers and staff of the region.
  • Conduct economic and financial analysis of the region generally and of public employers specifically.
  • Work with CUPE staff and members at all levels to develop and implement effective campaigns.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • University graduate, with some specialization in statistical and analytical research, or equivalent experience.
  • Thorough knowledge of the collective bargaining process, with particular reference to the public sector.
  • Demonstrated ability in research skills, including the ability to develop information data banks.
  • Ability to use computers, word processing, database and statistical software, Microsoft Excel, and to create online surveys.
  • Demonstrated communication skills, both written and oral. An ability to write clear, orderly, well-documented statements and briefs.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently with union committees and help coordinate public campaigns.
  • Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse CUPE staff and membership.
  • Ability to maintain timely communications, responding to email and voicemail messages promptly.
  • Experience in and commitment to the trade union movement.
  • Knowledge and understanding of equity issues, human rights, and the intersectional challenges impacting equity deserving groups.
  • Above average oral and written communication skills in English and French.
  • Free to travel and work weekends and holidays as required.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT as set out in the collective agreement between CUPE and the Canadian Staff Union. 

In addition to providing a fleet vehicle, CUPE proudly offers the following benefits: Extended Health and Dental Care, Vision coverage, prescription medication, Employee Assistance Program, group life insurance coverage and more.

WEEKLY SALARY RANGE: $2,635.33 to $2,718.78 (plus 7% bilingual bonus)

Persons interested should submit a cover letter and resumé by email to hr@cupe.ca and mention Posting CSU-2501C in the subject line.

CUPE is committed to providing an inclusive, respectful, accessible, and healthy workplace environment that is equitable and fair at all levels of its organization. We are committed to establishing a qualified workforce reflecting the diverse population and communities in which we live and serve. CUPE encourages applications from qualified members of equity deserving groups including, Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ persons. We will provide reasonable accommodations for any protected human rights grounds at any stage of the recruitment and/or selection process. When invited for an interview, please inform us if you require an accommodation by contacting the Human Resources Department at hr@cupe.ca. (All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, however, CUPE members and existing CUPE staff will be given priority)