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r/union • … • u/philosopherfujin

What does a typical work week for a junior staff organizer actually look like in major North American unions?

I have a fair amount of experience in mobilization and some experience in labor organizing, so I'm looking to make a career change and move to a full time Organizer-in-Training or junior organizer role in order to make a more positive impact with my labor.

I've heard about the extremely high burnout in organizer roles and I'm curious about the main reasons for it. My current job involves weird hours and lots of travel so I'm definitely prepared for those aspects of union work but I'm curious what those long, weird hours actually entail when you're working with either the Purple Union or the more white-collar public sector unions. How much of the job is one-on-ones and building relationships with potential leaders compared to time spent putting together materials and planning/doing paperwork?

I'd be interested in answers for both internal and external organizing roles. Thanks in advance!

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