Job Description

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS SPECIALIST

UNITED WORKERS’ UNION - A NEW CHAPTER. A RENEWED FOCUS. JOIN US

United Workers Union is entering an exciting new chapter.

With new leadership comes renewed purpose, fresh energy and a clear ambition: to build the strongest organising union in Australia that wins for workers.

We are looking for an experienced Employee Relations Specialist to join our People, Culture & Change team on a temporary basis.

This is an opportunity to use your employee relations expertise in a values-driven organisation committed to fairness, dignity and respect at work. This role is full-time for an initial 12-month period and can be based in any major capital city. Consideration may be given to part-time work.

ABOUT UNION WORKERS’ UNION

We believe unions are strongest when members lead.

That’s why, United Workers Union is one of Australia’s largest [and fastest-growing] member-led unions, representing workers across a diverse range of industries that keep our communities running every day. Our members work in aged care; early education; hospitality; logistics; manufacturing; health; cleaning; disability support; warehousing; food production and many other sectors.

Every day we organise to improve the lives of working people and create lasting change.

We do this by pulling every lever to build worker power – growing membership, developing workplace leaders, supporting delegates, organising collective action and campaigning for better wages, safer workplaces and fairer communities, including campaigning both politically and in the community. The United Workers Union is proudly affiliated with the Australian Labor Party.

As we move into our next chapter, we are investing in growing our organising capability, developing our people and strengthening member-led campaigns across the country.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Employee Relations Specialist will provide practical, specialist advice and support across UWU to promote fair, consistent and legally compliant workplace practices.

Working closely with leaders, and the People, Culture and Change team, you will manage a varied caseload and provide trusted advice on complex employee relations, industrial relations and workplace matters.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Providing clear, practical advice on employee and industrial relations matters.
• Managing workplace investigations, disciplinary processes, performance matters and grievances.
• Advising on the interpretation and application of employment and health and safety legislation, UWU’s enterprise agreement, policies and employment conditions.
• Supporting the management of complex health, safety, injury and return-to-work matters.
• Assisting with workplace change, consultation and dispute-resolution.
• Reviewing and developing employment policies, procedures and supporting resources.
• Contributing to broader People, Culture and Change priorities and projects.
• Promoting and upholding the Union’s values of equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your work.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for an experienced employee relations practitioner who can quickly understand an issue, assess risk and provide balanced, solutions-focused advice.

You are someone who:

• Has significant experience managing complex employee and industrial relations matters.
• Has strong knowledge of Australian employment and industrial relations legislation
• Has experience conducting workplace investigations and managing disciplinary and performance processes.
• Has a strong understanding of health and safety laws and state by state requirements.
• Builds trust and effective working relationships with leaders and employees across a diverse national organisation.
• Brings strong communication skills, facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrates sound judgment, discretion and the ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters.
• Demonstrates a genuine commitment to the values and purpose of UWU, including a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Strong preference for relevant tertiary qualifications in law, industrial relations, human resources, or a related discipline.

Experience working within a Union, membership-based, not-for-profit or values-led organisation will be highly regarded.

To perform this job, you may also be required to have or obtain and maintain:

• A valid driver’s licence; and
• Right of Entry Permits.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in Australia and will be required to provide evidence of their work rights as part of the recruitment process.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary and generous employment conditions;
• 16% superannuation;
• 6 weeks annual leave plus 25% leave loading;
• Flexible work arrangements;
• Supportive leadership committed to developing people;
• A diverse, inclusive and values driven workplace;
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference in workers’ lives.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Our members come from every background imaginable, and we want our workforce to reflect that diversity.

We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ people and anyone who shares our commitment to fairness, inclusion and worker justice.

JOIN THE NEXT CHAPTER

If you want to be part of a Union entering an exciting new era and are looking for meaningful work, ambitious colleagues and the opportunity to make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you.

Together, we’ll build stronger workplaces, stronger communities and a stronger union.

Please submit your resume, together with a cover letter addressing the selection criteria appearing under Who we are looking for to Julie Korlevska, Deputy Director (People, Culture and Change) via the Dayforce careers page.

CLOSING DATE

Applications close 4pm (AEDT) on 9 October 2026. Please note we may conduct interviews before the closing date, so get your applications in early.

For further information about the role, please email hr@unitedworkers.org.au