Industrial Officer (Suitable For Law Graduate / Lawyer)

United Workers Union; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 84,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

A member-led union in Melbourne is seeking an Industrial Officer to manage a diverse caseload, advocate for members in tribunals, and shape industrial strategies. This full-time role ideally suits law graduates or lawyers passionate about employment law and workers' rights. Strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as a foundational understanding of the Australian industrial relations landscape, are essential. The position offers extensive training and support while contributing to the union's mission of improving working conditions.

Benefits

16% superannuation

6 weeks annual leave plus 25% leave loading

Flexible work arrangements with WFH options

Qualifications

• Passionate about achieving the goals of the Union.
• Knowledge of legislation, awards, and agreements for enforcing entitlements.
• Experience in representing members in workplace issues.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload resolving workplace issues and providing industrial advice.
• Participate in enterprise bargaining negotiations and compliance.
• Represent members in meetings and before industrial tribunals.
• Maintain knowledge across UWU industries.

Skills

Passion for improving workers' lives

Experience in advocacy

Written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work in a team

Understanding of Australian industrial relations

Education

Bachelor of Law

Job description

Industrial Officer (suitable for Law Graduate / Lawyer)

An exciting opportunity exists for a person to join the United Workers Union's industrial team as an Industrial Officer based in Queensland.

This role is offered on a full-time ongoing basis, but part-time arrangements may be considered.

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.

Why the UWU?

Exciting case work, advocacy and court experience

Represent amazing members, and know that you are helping to improve the lives of others

Work in a collaborative team environment, and get to know / work with IOs across Australia

Participate in a dedicated industrial officer training program for law graduates & new starters, focused on ensuring you build key skills within your first 3 months, 6 months and on an ongoing basis.

Take part in our 12-month CPD program, which includes monthly training (both practical and theoretical), as well as mock trials.

Ongoing 1 : 1 support and mentoring

And so much more!

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

• 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.

Other Requirements

• Right of Entry Permits
• Immunisation against COVID-19 or have a medical exemption

Desirable Selection Criteria

Eligibility to hold / have a practicing certificate

Remuneration

Terms and conditions in accordance with the United Workers Union Employment Agreement , see .

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.

Benefits

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

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) via email.

Closing Date

Completed applications must be received by 4.00 pm (AEST) on Friday, 9 January .

Interviews may occur before the application closing date.

Contact

For further information about the role, please email .

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