OUR ORGANISATION

The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) is the nation’s oldest and one of its most influential trade unions, representing approximately 70,000 working Australians. We are also a diverse union, representing workers across industries including manufacturing, steel, aluminium, glass, oil and gas, aviation, agriculture, construction, state public services, local government, health, food, resources, events and aquaculture. 

Getting the best outcome for our members is at the heart of what we do.

We are currently looking for a permanent Legal Officer or Industrial Officer to join our New South Wales branch legal team. 

The branch legal team protects the interests of the AWU and its members through advocacy in the Fair Work Commission, the NSW Industrial Relations Commission, the Chief Industrial Magistrate’s Court and the Federal and Federal Circuit Courts. We dispute unfair dismissals and other unjust employer conduct, recover underpayments for workers, review collective agreements for compliance with minimum standards, and contest approvals of non-compliant collective agreements in our industries. We provide advice to AWU officials, delegates and members and contribute to the AWU’s responses to Parliamentary and government inquiries into industrial issues.

YOUR REMUNERATION AND CONDITIONS

The Branch legal team is located at the AWU’s office in Granville NSW, the headquarters of both our New South Wales Branch and National Office. While the position will be based in Granville, the role will require travel to both the CBD and Parramatta to attend hearings.

• Offered on a full-time basis
• A competitive salary will be offered, based on skills and experience
• Generous conditions as part of the New South Wales Branch’s collective conditions of employment
• Successful candidates will be subject to a 6-month probationary period 

KEY ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

The Legal Officer or Industrial Officer is responsible for providing effective legal and industrial advice and representation to the Branch, as follows:

• Advocacy before the Fair Work Commission, New South Wales Industrial Relations Commission and Chief Industrial Magistrate’s Court
• Providing advice and support to the Branch around a range of industrial and legal matters including, disciplinary matters; dispute resolution; discrimination; harassment; bullying; redundancy; unfair dismissal; and adverse action
• Drafting enterprise agreements and assisting with enterprise bargaining
• Development of educational materials and delivery of training for members and Union Officials

SELECTION CRITERIA (ESSENTIAL)

• Demonstrated commitment to union values.
• Qualifications in law, industrial relations, arts, economics or social sciences.
• Comfortable and adept at working in a team environment.
• Ability to work autonomously and to demonstrate initiative.
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Strong advocacy skills and the ability to represent the AWU in hearings and conferences. 

SELECTION CRITERIA (DESIRABLE)

• Familiarity with key AWU industries (see list above); and
• Admission as a solicitor and/or prior experience in a union legal/industrial team.

HOW TO APPLY

Click Apply Now to submit your application.

We are reviewing applications as they are received and will continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply promptly. Thank you for considering a career with the Australian Workers’ Union. We look forward to reviewing your application.