An exciting opportunity has arisen for a qualified and experienced individual to work as a National Industrial Officer/Lawyer, as part of a team of 4 lawyers in the ETU’s National Office who are responsible for both national and state branch legal work. The advertised role is primarily responsible for the legal work of the ETU’s WA Branch. 

The Electrical Trades Union 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 offers generous salary and employment conditions (including 13 RDOs, 5 weeks annual leave, 17.8% superannuation and others).

The National Office is in Rosebery. Interstate travel will occasionally be required.

The starting date is as soon as practicable.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities of the National Industrial Officer/Lawyer include:

• advocacy before the Fair Work Commission (including PABOs, MSDs, disputes, scope orders, unfair dismissals, bargaining orders, Award reviews etc);
• advocacy and/or instructing Counsel in the Federal Circuit Court and Federal Court of Australia (including breaches of the Fair Work Act);
• providing legal advice and assistance to the ETU’s leadership, state branches and members;
• identifying and pursuing strategic litigation which interlinks with the Union’s broader strategic objectives;
• developing and delivering educational and training materials for organisers and members; and
• drafting submissions regarding policy and law reform. 

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

The successful candidate will:

• be a legal practitioner holding, or eligible to hold, a practising certificate;
• have a demonstrated commitment to trade unionism and/or social justice;
• have at least 2 years’ 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;
• be comfortable briefing and instructing Counsel;
• 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 Federal Circuit Court and Federal Court of Australia;
• interlinking litigation with broader strategic objectives; and
• in the electrical power industry or trades occupations.