HR/IR jobs

Legal Officer F/T

The Transport Workers’ Union of Australia (TWU) is one of Australia’s leading campaigning trade unions, holding some of the biggest companies in the world to account over their treatment of workers, such as Qantas, Amazon and the supermarket giants.

Since it was founded, the TWU has represented the interests of truck drivers and logistics workers, exposing the financial pressures by major retailers, manufacturers, and oil companies on road transport - Australia’s deadliest industry.

The TWU has led the charge in highlighting and tackling exploitation in the gig economy, pressuring companies and the government to address chronic underpayments and deadly pressures on food delivery riders, rideshare drivers and AmazonFlex couriers.

Last year, the TWU defeated Qantas in the High Court over the largest case of illegal sackings in Australian corporate history.

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. As of August 2024, there will be a stand-alone division of the Fair Work Commission to address critical matters in the road transport industry.

The TWU is seeking a motivated Legal Officer to join our team as we work to utilise powerful new laws to improve the lives of transport employees, owner drivers and gig economy workers.

The Role:

• Negotiating and drafting of Agreements;

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

• Provide advice and support in dealing with national disputes;

• Advocacy before industrial tribunals;

• Contribute to, and advise on, the development and implementation of campaign strategy and planning;

• Run test cases in respect of the new legislative system;

• Provide legal and industrial advice to the campaign and communication teams of the union, including research as necessary to carry out such tasks;

• Other tasks and responsibilities as directed by the Head of Legal;

• Other tasks and responsibilities as directed by the National Secretary and Assistant National Secretary.

Key Skills Required:

• Developed capacity to analyse agreements, awards and other industrial issues and provide practical solutions;

• Case management in various Tribunals and Courts including preparation of applications and evidence drafting;

• Excellent verbal and written communication;

• Practical experience in union campaigns;

• Industrial disputes, bargaining and some organising experience;

• An understanding of and a commitment to the principles of organizing;

• The ability to work both independently, and as part of a small team;

• A commitment to labour values.

The role will be based in our national office in Sydney, with some interstate travel. A competitive salary is on offer to the successful candidate. The position is full time.