A once-in-a-career opportunity has arisen to assist the ETU in its fight to rebuild union power in the Pilbara, following decades of successful de-unionising tactics being implemented by employers in the region.

The Pilbara region has a strong labour market of almost 60,000 jobs, mostly with well-resourced international mining companies.

This opportunity would suit an experienced industrial lawyer who is confident in their abilities and not afraid to take on these mining giants.

The successful applicant will work as part of a team of 5 lawyers and a paralegal in the ETU’s National Office, and in close collaboration with two Industrial Officers in the ETU’s WA Branch. The successful applicant will also work closely with the ETU’s Organisers and Officials.

The ETU is a growing union representing around 65,000 electrical workers and other skilled workers across a wide range of industries. The Union has a proud history of defending workers’ rights, including by pursuing high-profile litigation.

The ETU’s National Office offers generous salary and employment conditions (including 13 RDOs, 5 weeks of annual leave, 17.8% superannuation and others).

Salary expectations: $120,000 - $180,000 excluding superannuation (depending on experience)

The starting date is as soon as practicable.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities of the Employment and Industrial Lawyer include:

providing strategic and considered advice to the ETU WA Branch and its members;

identifying and pursuing strategic litigation which interlinks with the Union’s broader strategic objectives; and

advocacy before the Fair Work Commission (including PABOs, MSDs, bargaining disputes, good faith bargaining orders, scope orders, unfair dismissals, IBDs etc);

instructing Counsel in the Fair Work Commission and courts;

developing and delivering educational/training materials for organisers and members.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

The successful candidate will:

be a legal practitioner holding a current practising certificate;

have a demonstrated commitment to trade unionism and/or social justice;

have at least 4 years of experience as a lawyer or industrial officer in a union (or equivalent employment/industrial law experience);

have a good understanding of the Fair Work Act, discrimination legislation, health and safety legislation and the modern award system;

be comfortable appearing in the Fair Work Commission against well-resourced opponents;

be comfortable briefing and instructing Counsel;

be comfortable engaging in negotiations against well-resourced opponents;

have a good work ethic and be highly motivated;

pay attention to detail;

have excellent communication and time management skills, including experience successfully managing competing deadlines;

be able to work independently and as part of a small team; and

have the right to work in Australia.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

It will be desirable for the successful candidate to also have experience:

appearing in the WA Industrial Magistrates’ Court and/or the federal courts;

interlinking litigation with broader strategic objectives; and

in the electrical power industry or trades occupations.

We strongly encourage applications from women, First Nations people, people of colour, members of the LGBTIQIA+ community and individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

If you are keen to pay a critical role in making union history, please email your CV and a cover letter addressing the above criteria and your suitability for the role to Joanne Hodge at [email protected] as soon as practicable and by Friday 24 October 2025.

Please note that applications without a suitable cover letter will not be considered and only short-listed candidates will be contacted.