HR/IR jobs

Legal Officer (1-3 years PAE)

Transport Workers Union

The Transport Workers Union (“TWU”) is seeking a highly motivated Legal and Industrial Officer to become part of our Western Australian Industrial team, based in Perth. We are seeking a candidate that has either recently completed their law degree or is within 3 years of admission to the Supreme Court of Western Australia, and is ready to adopt the TWU’s values. This position is essentially a junior in-house lawyer role and will start in August 2024.

About the Transport Workers Union
The TWU is one of Australia’s leading campaigning trade unions and is the largest collective voice for the men and women that keep Australia moving. Together, we lead the fight for a fairer transport industry and safety for all who share the roads and the skies.

The TWU fights for the workplace rights and interests of employees, contractors and owner-operators in a variety of areas of the transport industry, including Road Transport Logistics, Aviation, Waste, Buses and the Gig Economy. We hold some of Australia’s the biggest companies to account over their treatment of workers including Qantas, Uber, StarTrack, and Toll.

Last year, the TWU defeated Qantas in the High Court over the largest case of illegal sackings in Australian corporate history. The TWU has also led the charge in exposing financial pressures by major retailers, manufacturers, and oil companies on road transport - Australia’s deadliest industry.

This year, the TWU’s relentless campaigning for regulation of the gig economy has secured a world-first legislative system to address deadly commercial pressures on transport workers including those working in the gig economy and as small-business owner drivers. In August 2024, there will be a stand-alone division of the Fair Work Commission to address critical matters in the road transport industry.

Duties

• Advocacy before Courts and industrial tribunals, such as the Fair Work Commission;

• Preparing documents including court or tribunal applications, submissions, advisory memorandums, letters of demand and excel spreadsheets.

• Providing legal research, fact gathering and information retrieval.

• Tracking developments in the area of industrial relations and workplace safety such as reviewing new caselaw and legislation.

• Reviewing payslips to ascertain potential underpayment of wages and entitlements.

• Advising and assisting Union Officers, Delegates and Members on a wide variety of matters including employment law, industrial matters and underpayment of
wages.

• Assistance in coordination of protected industrial action and other activity;

• Providing support for the TWU’s workplace, promotional and public industrial campaigns

• Liaising with internal staff, members, and other parties.

• Successfully following directions and workplace policies and procedures.

• Conducting general administrative and office management tasks.

• Other tasks and responsibilities as directed by the Senior Legal and Industrial Officer;

• Other tasks and responsibilities as directed by the TWU WA Branch Secretary.

The Ideal Candidate

• Has an absolute passion for supporting, advocating and committing to the labour movement.

• Desires to stand up for workers’ rights and to accomplish social justice on a daily basis.

• Has either recently completed their law degree or is within 3 years post admission to the Supreme Court of Western Australia, although applicants beyond 3 years post admission experience will also be considered;

• Capacity to analyse agreements, awards and other industrial issues and provide practical solutions.

• Has some case management experience in various Tribunals and Courts including preparation of applications and evidence drafting, although this is not mandatory;

• Is highly motivated, willing to learn, reliable and a team player.

• Well-developed research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Is able to prioritise tasks, be adaptable to high pressure situations and meet tight deadlines.

• Has excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Is proficient in using Microsoft Office, especially Microsoft word and excel.

Remuneration

An attractive remuneration package will be offered to the successful applicant, which will include:

• Salary commensurate with demonstrated skills and experience (indicative Salary of $85,000).

• 15% superannuation. and

• Generous other leave and conditions.

If you believe you are suitable for this position at the TWU, please send through your CV and a short 2 page letter briefly addressing how you fit the required duties and the ideal candidate criteria found in the position description.

Positions Close: 12 July 2024
Please send applications to lyle.slaney@twuwa.org.au