Industrial relations

Navigate complex industrial and employee relations with confidence. Our expert legal services help you manage disputes, negotiations, and compliance, protecting your business and workforce.
Industrial relations Enquire Now

Need legal help with industrial relations?

While union membership among Australian employees has declined, unions still play a significant role in workplace relations for many employers and employees. 

 

At MDC Legal, our specialist employment and workplace lawyers have extensive experience representing both unions and employers in union-related matters. 

 

Our Perth-based industrial relations legal team has also represented clients before the Royal Commission into Trade Unions, demonstrating our deep expertise in this area.

What you need to know to protect your interests

1

How can our industrial relations lawyers support unions and their members?

Our industrial relations lawyers bring extensive experience in representing unions and their members in legal proceedings, including unfair dismissal and adverse action claims. 


We have also successfully handled demarcation disputes, protected ballot actions, stop orders, agreement interpretation disputes, and the defence of injunctions on behalf of unions.

2

What employers need to know about enterprise bargaining and agreement disputes

Our specialist employment and industrial relations lawyers offer workplace seminars on enterprise bargaining and possess deep expertise in resolving disputes related to the interpretation and application of enterprise agreements, awards, and demarcation issues.


If you’re preparing to negotiate an enterprise agreement, our experienced lawyers can guide you through each step, providing strategic legal advice to ensure compliance and smooth approval by the Fair Work Commission. We also supply template letters and documents tailored to each stage of the process, ensuring you meet all legal obligations.


Contact our specialist Employment and Industrial Relations team today on 9288 4000 for expert legal assistance.

why choose us

Our difference

No surprise billing

At MDC Legal, we prioritise transparency in our billing. Clear, upfront information on fees and cost-effective rates for legal representation, HR advice, and workplace solutions ensure there are no surprises. Flexible fixed-fee services can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

Safeguard your interests

Your interests are paramount. We focus on compliance and business protection with robust HR and workplace solutions. While we advocate for efficient dispute resolution and settlement, our battle-ready lawyers are prepared to defend your interests in court when necessary.

Expert compliance guidance

We specialise in navigating the complexities of the Fair Work Act, state legislation, and workplace awards and agreements. Ensure compliance, enhance workplace practices, and receive the guidance to keep your business on track.

Personalised client engagement

Each client receives personalised attention from our team, ensuring legal strategies are perfectly aligned with individual business goals and challenges.

Proactive risk management

Anticipate potential legal issues and manage them proactively to prevent disruptions and secure your business’s future.

Access to Perth’s best employment lawyers

Direct engagement with our senior lawyers ensures you benefit from top-tier legal expertise at every interaction.

Communication every step of the way

Informed communication is essential. Expect continuous updates and straightforward communication from your dedicated legal team.

Long-term partnership focus

Each client receives personalised attention from our team, ensuring legal strategies are perfectly aligned with individual business goals and challenges.

our capabilities

Who we help

Our industrial relations experts provide tailored legal support for businesses, unions, and employees, ensuring fair and compliant employee relations practices.

Businesses of all sizes

We assist businesses in navigating complex industrial relations issues, from enterprise bargaining to resolving disputes, safeguarding your workplace and compliance with the law.

Executives and senior employees

Our lawyers represent unions and their members in a wide range of industrial relations matters, including unfair dismissal, adverse action claims, and demarcation disputes.

Organisations

We offer guidance and representation to employees on industrial relations matters, ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive fair treatment in the workplace.

Our commitment is to ensure that every client receives personalised attention, expert advice, and tailored solutions designed to protect their interests and advance their objectives. Whether you’re seeking to enhance workplace practices, ensure compliance with evolving legislation, or resolve complex disputes, MDC Legal is your trusted partner in navigating the intricacies of employment law.

Notable decisions

Notable decisions

VIEW ALL NOTABLE DECISIONS
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS COMMISSION
CITATION : 2016 WAIRC 00731
CORAM : SENIOR COMMISSIONER S J KENNER
HEARD : FRIDAY, 5 FEBRUARY 2016, THURSDAY, 3 MARCH 2016, FRIDAY, 1 APRIL 2016
DELIVERED: TUESDAY, 30 AUGUST 2016
FILE NO. : B 93 OF 2015
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL MAGISTRATES COURT
CITATION : 2016 WAIRC 00210
CORAM : INDUSTRIAL MAGISTRATE G. CICCHINI
HEARD : WEDNESDAY, 16 MARCH 2016
DELIVERED : WEDNESDAY, 13 APRIL 2016
FILE NO. : M 117 OF 2015
SUPREME COURT OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA IN CHAMBERS
CITATION : BEND-TECH GROUP (A FIRM) -v- BEEK [2015] WASC 491 (S)
CORAM : PRITCHARD J
HEARD : 5 APRIL 2015
DELIVERED : 11 APRIL 2016
FILE NO. : CIV 2819 of 2015
5 star reviews

Testimonials

Dealt with my case compassionately

Mark and Jessie from MDC Legal were incredibly professional and dealt with my case compassionately. I had a great result and I thank the whole team for everything that they did. Five stars from me!

Crystal Brown

Outstanding professional team

Excellent service from an outstanding professional team. MDC Legal took the initiative, worked hard, were honest, spoke from a position of expertise which gave them the opportunity to challenge lesser expertise with great confidence. We were treated with respect and given very honest feedback every step of the way. We have left our meetings with Mark Cox feeling humbled by his support and respectful of his integrity and the huge energy he has for his work. Most of all we felt supported.
Amanda Sturrock

Sound legal advice

MDC legal has assisted myself and my firm in the past with sound legal advice and professional services which has resulted in very positive outcomes, would highly recommend them for any workplace legal issue.

Michael Bellman

Both genuine and realistic

I can confidently recommend their services and have found MDC and their legal team to be professional and considerate. The advice I received was both genuine and realistic resulting in a favourable outcome for myself. Thank you MDC.

Sean Fraser

Truly a level beyond in professionalism

What an amazingly talented team I had through my recent trial. Truly a level beyond in professionalism, respect for the law and demonstrated themselves to be a class above the plaintiff in the Supreme court. They went well beyond my expectations, achieving a phenomenal outcome. Superb communication throughout the whole process, with outstanding advice and direction. I could not recommend anyone better than this team for my legal representation. Thank you again so much.

Andrew Beek

Highly recommend them as a legal firm

MDC legal are a highly professional and ethical legal firm. I recently sought their advice and representation in an employment related matter, and engaged the services of Joanna Knoth. MDC Legal and Joanna responded quickly to my initial enquiries and throughout out period of interaction, and were extremely knowledgeable in workplace legislation. Costs were well explained upfront and as my case proceeded so there were no ‘surprises’. They communicated well at all times, explained required processes effectively and ultimately achieved a positive outcome for me as their client. I would highly recommend them as a legal firm and would engage their services again if I had further need for legal advice.

Sarah M

Excellent advice and legal clout

I had a rather difficult legal issue compounded by the fact that a big established law firm was throwing their “family” weight behind the matter. One letter, with excellent advice and legal clout, from MDC Legal was all it took for this matter to be very favourably resolved. Four years down the line and this matter has never been an issue again. Well done MDC Legal!

John Tidy

They showed great empathy

Joanna and the team at MDC Legal helped me through one of the most difficult periods of my working career to date. They were professional, efficient and effective in helping me achieve a great outcome. They showed great empathy and understanding of my workplace case and I would recommend them to anyone.

Quyen Truong

Impressed by the depth of assistance

I recommend MDC legal to anyone seeking prompt professional advice and assistance with an employment law matter. I have personally been assisted by Mr Mark Cox and have also worked with some of his legal staff and have been really impressed by the depth of assistance and commitment to achieving positive results. If you have an employment matter and want the best value for money in the long run for your hard earned dollars, contact MDC legal and give yourself the best chance possible.

Liz Carbone

Their communication is excellent

I used MDC Legal upon another lawyer’s recommendation, for an employment contract for my business. Mark, Jessie and Jo are a great team. Their communication is excellent so I knew what stage the project was at every step of the way. Costs are explicitly outlined so there is complete financial transparency. Very happy with the end contract and their services. Will be using them again for further employment law needs for my business.

Sherry Wong

Honest, informative, empathic

Mark Cox and the team at MDC Legal assisted me through one of the most difficult periods in my professional career. They were honest, informative, empathic and very experienced. I could not have achieved the positive outcome I did without them. I highly recommend MDC Legal.

Brian Peddie

Considered, professional advice and assistance

As a not-for-profit community legal centre, the Mental Health Law Center has appreciated the considered, professional advice and assistance provided by Mark Cox and his team at MDC Legal. Their advice, not only on matters of employment law but also on applying the law to complex employment situations was communicated clearly and without jargon. The advice they provided was relevant, up-to-date and useful in achieving a positive outcome. The Employee Handbook and Management Guides provided by MDC Legal are extremely useful, not only in preventing employment situations from arising but also in providing quick guidelines to assist in the day to day managing and creating a positive work environment for staff members. Highly recommend.

TAL MHLC

Most impressive aspect however, was their honesty

I contacted MDC Legal following a recommendation and I am glad that I did. My initial email was answered 30 minutes later, in detail. All subsequent correspondence was quick, professional and to the point. There was transparency throughout. The most impressive aspect of MDC Legal for me however, was their honesty. This is a virtue fast disappearing in today’s world. Thank you MDC Legal.

Thomas Zimmermann

You are in safe, capable hands

Most people when they engage the services of a solicitor have to do so because of an unpleasant/ongoing legal matter that needs sound, solid advice and an equitable resolution that won’t resurface in the future. MDC Legal went above and beyond my expectations. Not only did they keep me up to date with regular informed communications, but they also advised me as to the best course of action needed to achieve a favourable outcome for myself with the least amount of stress possible. Most legal matters do require some investment, but it is money well spent with MDC Legal. Keep in mind that if you want the best, then you have to pay for it- if you pay peanuts, then you will get monkeys!! Joanna Knoth and Noella Silby are a class act. Not only are they a credit to MDC Legal, but they are a positive representation of the legal profession and the community overall. You are in safe, capable hands with MDC Legal and I would not hesitate to recommend them or to utilise their services should a legal matter arise in the future.

Angela Matija Babic
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