Industrial Officer

United Workers; Adelaide; Hybrid; AUD 85,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

16% super

6 weeks leave

Practice certificate support

Career development

Impactful work

Court/tribunal experience

Job summary

United Workers Union in Adelaide is seeking a passionate Industrial Officer to provide specialist industrial advice, represent members in courts and tribunals across Australia, and negotiate enterprise agreements. This role supports Organisers to develop industrial strategies that empower workers and drive outcomes.

This position is open to experienced Industrial Officers or law graduates seeking to enter Industrial Relations, with strong training, advocacy experiences and clear paths for

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws (or experience as Industrial Officer) and a passion for social justice.
• Ability to interpret industrial legislation, awards and enterprise agreements.

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse caseload of industrial matters, providing advice, advocacy and representation to achieve the best outcomes for members.
• 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.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the Industrial Team and undertake other duties consistent with the role.
• Promote and uphold the Union’s values of equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your work.

Skills

Legal knowledge

Advocacy

Court representation

Education

Bachelor of Laws

Job description

UNITED WORKERS’ UNION - a new chapter. a renewed focus. join us

United Workers Union is entering an exciting new chapter.

With new leadership comes renewed purpose, fresh energy and a clear ambition: to build the strongest organising union in Australia that wins for workers.

We are looking for a passionate, driven and values-based Industrial Officer who wants to be part of one of Australia’s largest and most influential unions. This role is based in Adelaide and is offered on a full-time ongoing basis.

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 union workers’ union

We believe unions are strongest when members lead.

That’s why, United Workers Union is one of Australia’s largest and fastest-growing member-led unions, representing workers across a diverse range of industries that keep our communities running every day. Our members work in aged care; early education; hospitality; logistics; manufacturing; health; cleaning; disability support; warehousing; food production and many other sectors.

Every day we organise to improve the lives of working people and create lasting change.

We do this by pulling every lever to build worker power – growing membership, developing workplace leaders, supporting delegates, organising collective action and campaigning for better wages, safer workplaces, and fairer communities, including campaigning both politically and in the community. The United Workers Union is proudly affiliated with the Australian Labor Party.

As we move into our next chapter, we are investing in growing our organising capability, developing our people and strengthening member-led campaigns across the country.

the opportunity

As a member of the UWU Industrial Team, you will play a critical role in advancing the rights of UWU members. You will provide expert industrial advice, represent members in courts and tribunals across Australia, negotiate enterprise agreements and work alongside Organisers to develop industrial strategies that build worker power.

This is more than a legal role. You will help shape campaigns, enforce workplace rights and contribute to winning lasting improvements for members across Australia.

Whether you are an experienced Industrial Officer or a law graduate looking to build a career in Industrial Relations, this role offers exceptional training, advocacy experiences, and opportunities for professional development.

Your main responsibilities will be to:

• Manage a diverse caseload of industrial matters, providing industrial advice, advocacy and representation to achieve the best outcomes for members>
• 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.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the Industrial Team and undertake other duties consistent with the role.
• Promote and uphold the Union’s values of equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your work.

We are looking for people who are passionate about and committed to improving the lives of the members we represent.

You are someone who:

• Can build trust quickly with members including members from diverse backgrounds.
• Has a genuine commitment to the values and purpose of UWU, including its political and social justice agendas.
• Communicates confidently, both in writing and advocacy.
• Thinks strategically and enjoys solving complex workplace issues.
• Can interpret and apply industrial legislation, awards and enterprise agreements to enforce member’s rights and entitlements.
• Is confident representing members before tribunals or is keen to develop those advocacy skills.
• Can manage expectations around dispute resolution.
• Has a solid knowledge and understanding of the Australian industrial relations environment.
• Enjoys working independently and as part of a team in fast-paced and changing environments.
• Holds a Bachelor of Laws (or has 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:

• A valid driver’s licence; and
• Right of Entry Permits.

It is desirable, but not essential that applicants have the eligibility to hold/have a practicing certificate.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in Australia and will be required to provide evidence of their work rights as part of the recruitment process.

what we offer

• Competitive salary and generous employment conditions; terms and conditions in accordance with the United Workers Union Employment Agreement 2025, see https://tinyurl.com/UWUEA2025 .
• Salary commensurate with demonstrated skills and experience. Graduate lawyer – entry level $84,626 + super + leave loading. Up to a salary of $127,528 may be offered to candidates who have extensive experience.
• 16% superannuation.
• 6 weeks annual leave plus 25% leave loading.
• The payment of practicing certificates
• Supportive leadership committed to developing people.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference in workers’ lives.
• Exciting case work, advocacy and court experience.

diversity and inclusion

Our members come from every background imaginable, and we want our workforce to reflect that diversity.

We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ people and anyone who shares our commitment to fairness, inclusion and worker justice.

join the next chapter

If you want to be part of a Union entering an exciting new era and are looking for meaningful work, ambitious colleagues and the opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of working people, we would love to hear from you.

Together, we’ll build stronger workplaces, stronger communities and a stronger union.

For further information about the role, please email [e-mail] using the subject line: Industrial Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Applications close: 9:00 AM GMT, 12th Nov 2026