INDUSTRIAL OFFICER (SUITABLE FOR A LAW GRADUATE / LAWYER)

UNITED WORKERS’ UNION

An exciting opportunity exists for a person to join the United Workers Union’s industrial team as an Industrial Officer based in New South Wales for a 12-month contract to cover a period of parental leave.

As a member of the UWU Industrial Team, you will be regularly required to appear in Courts and Tribunals across Australia, representing and advocating for members to improve working conditions and defend entitlements. The Industrial Team also works within the UWU to help shape industrial strategies that assist in building power, growth and union membership.

With significant training and support available, the role would be suitable for a law graduate or a lawyer looking to move into employment law.

ABOUT UNITED WORKERS’ UNION

United Workers’ Union is a powerful member-led union whose sole purpose is to serve the collective interests of members in workplaces and communities by winning significant and long-lasting gains.

The Union is driving change by growing union membership, developing leadership amongst our members, encouraging active member participation in the union, building and enforcing standards in our sectors, and campaigning both politically and in the community.

As a union with a proudly diverse membership, we are committed to equity and inclusion; and continuing to build a union that is truly representative of the workers we cover. We strive to ensure that every member’s voice can be heard and create opportunities for participation from members with diverse backgrounds in all activities/functions of the Union. We encourage applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds and people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

The United Workers Union is proudly affiliated with the Australian Labor Party.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage a caseload which includes resolving workplace issues by providing industrial advice to members and advocacy with employers and before industrial tribunals to ensure that members’ entitlements are being enforced.

Participate in enterprise bargaining negotiations and ensure compliance with the legislative regime in all aspects of the bargaining process.

Represent members and the Union in collective and individual meetings with employers and peak bodies.

Represent members and the Union in Award matters before the FWC (and similar).

Ensure the work contributes to achieving the Objects of the Union and assists with retaining union members, membership growth, member leadership and action and winning industry power.

Maintain and develop industrial knowledge across UWU industries.

Other duties associated with ensuring a high standard is maintained to provide assistance to Union members.

Ensure that the Union’s values of equity, diversity and inclusion are upheld and promoted.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

An Industrial Officer demonstrates:

A passion and drive to improve workers’ lives and achieving the goals of the Union

Ability in managing expectations around dispute resolution

Ability in using legislation, awards and agreements to enforce member’s rights and entitlements

A solid knowledge and understanding of the Australian industrial relations environment

Experience in advocacy through the Fair Work Commission or relevant Courts

Experience in representing members and/or clients in employment related matters

Good written and verbal communication skills

Ability and willingness to work as part of a team

Ability to participate in the unions political and social justice agenda

Bachelor of Law (or prior experience as an Industrial Officer)

Whilst experience in industrial/employment law is desirable, entry level candidates with a law degree and a passion for social justice are encouraged to apply.

To perform this job you will also be required to have or obtain and maintain:

Right of Entry Permits;

Immunisation against COVID-19 or have a medical exemption

DESIRABLE SELECTION CRITERIA

· Eligibility to hold/have a practicing certificate.

REMUNERATION

An attractive remuneration package will be offered to the successful applicant, which will include:

Salary commensurate with demonstrated skills and experience (graduate lawyer – entry level $81,371 + super + leave loading. Up to a salary of $122,623 may be offered to candidates who have extensive experience). Note this salary will increase by 4% from the first full pay period after 1 July 2025.

16% superannuation

6 weeks annual leave plus 25% leave loading;

3 gratia days during the Christmas/End of Year period

The payment of practicing certificates;

Generous other leave and conditions; and

Flexible work arrangements - including up to two days’ Work From Home (WFH), in accordance with the UWU policy.

How to apply

Please submit your resume, together with a cover letter addressing the selection criteria to Catherine Coghlan, Deputy Director (People, Culture and Change) to via Dayforce.

Closing date

Completed applications must be received by 4.00 pm (ACST) on Friday, 4 July 2025. Please note – interviews may occur before the application closing date.

For further information about the role, please email [email protected]