Lead Organizer

About GWC: Founded in 2001, the Garment Worker Center is a worker rights organization leading an anti-sweatshop movement to improve conditions for tens of thousands of Los Angeles garment workers. Through direct organizing, GWC develops leaders who demand enforcement of strong labor laws and accountability from factory owners, manufacturers, and fashion brands. We center immigrant workers, women of color, and their families who are impacted by exploitation in the fashion industry.

Position description: GWC seeks a dedicated, passionate garment worker organizer to develop and grow our base. The Lead Organizer will lead a small team of organizers, focused on identifying solutions with workers to labor abuses in the industry. Training will be provided. For this position, the organizer must be able to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings and weekends. Must be fluent in English and Spanish.

Duties:

• Provide support and technical assistance to 8 organizers across 4 regions in LA County, including with recruitment, factory committee formation, leadership development, and campaign development.
• Support workplace committees and organizers to develop campaign plans for direct action.
• Assist with worker training (curriculum development and facilitation), in collaboration with GWC organizers.
• Provide augmented capacity as needed in the 4 regions in which GWC organizes, which includes
• Conducting outreach.
• Identifying worker leaders through 1-1s.
• Supporting workers in securing workplace investigations by the Department of Public Health and CA Bureau of Field Enforcement.
• Represent GWC in 1-2 ally coalitions, including attending meetings and identifying ways for GWC members to engage in campaigns external to GWC.
• Facilitate general membership meetings, including training and political education in collaboration with other GWC organizers.
• Support monthly orientations (Cafecitos) with workers.
• Turn out garment workers to general membership meetings and campaign actions.
• Work closely with the Organizing Director to ensure overall progress on GWC’s strategic plans and cohesion among our Organizing Team.

Qualifications and Skills

• At least 4 years of experience in labor or community organizing.
• Strong commitment to social, racial, gender, and economic justice.
• A desire to grow and build worker power.
• Self-motivated, able to set priorities and goals, excellent planner, can execute organizational plans, and works well in collective settings.
• Must be proficient with LA’s public transportation system, or able to drive their own car.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel, Google Calendar, Google Drive.