Underpayment of wages has become a huge issue across many industries, including retail.
The classic case of this in Australia was 7-Eleven – but it is just one example of so many where some employers systematically underpaid workers, taking...
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SDA member Paxton proves that perseverance can pay off, as he starts his permanent part-time contract of 10 hours per week.
Paxton started working at a major retain chain in late 2015 as a casual employee. For the last two years he has been...
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We're asking our members to share their experiences of working during the pandemic.
These stories speak to the enormous efforts they have put in, day in and day out, through an incredibly difficult time.
We have each experienced this pandemic...
Read MoreAcross Australia the unprecedented outbreak of COVID-19 (or coronavirus) is impacting everyone in our community.
The SDA has been busy working on a range of different initiatives to protect retail, fast food, and warehouse workers’ health, safety...
Read MoreAcross Australia, the unprecedented outbreak of COVID-19 (or coronavirus) is impacting everyone in our community. It is a distressing time, especially for retail staff who are ensuring Australians have food on the table and essential items. It is...
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1. Make alcohol-based hand sanitiser available at key locations including building entrances, customer service desks and food courts.
2. Frequent cleaning and disinfecting of regularly used objects and hard surfaces including hand rails of...
Read MoreMichelle works for a national liquor chain; with many local stores. She was directed to work at an alternative store to her usual place of work.
Michelle was happy to do this, however when she asked about travel allowance she was refused. The other ...
Read MoreSDA member Ebony had worked for a national supermarket chain as a part-time worker for four years. She was happy to lend a hand in store whenever needed, which resulted in her working across many departments. As Ebony was regularly working above her ...
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It is great to see that many retailers have now adopted a number of measures from the SDA's 10 point Health and Safety plan to protect their retail workers.
It is time for those retailers who have not adopted this plan in its entirety to do so...
In great news for workers, the Federal Government has listened to our calls and announced a wage subsidy scheme for businesses and workers affected by COVID-19.
This means all full-time, part-time and casual workers (casuals need to have been...
Read MoreCOVID-19 is a workplace health and safety risk which employers have a duty of care to eliminate, mitigate and/or manage.
Duty of Care
Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) (the ‘Act’) employers or PCBUs (Persons Conducting a Business or...
Read MoreThe COVID-19 virus is seriously impacting the community in a variety of ways.
You may be required to self-isolate and be absent from work due several reasons:
These tough times are resulting in some appalling behaviour towards retail and fast food workers, but you shouldn’t have to put up with customer abuse or violence.
The past few weeks, and even months, have been tough for all Aussies, as we...
Read MoreTHINK before you post, like, share, send, tweet, re-tweet, snap-chat or instagram!
Recently, the SDA's attention has been turned towards social media policies in the workplace in particular where there has been an increase in disciplinary action...
Read MoreIt’s important that you know what your rights are when it comes to rosters and roster changes.
The SDA often receives calls from members who are considering a proposed roster change put forward by their company.
Members often ask the SDA what can...
Read MoreBreaks are not optional extras. They must be taken and cannot be withdrawn by your employer.
It’s very important to take your breaks when they fall due because they are designed to give you a rest.
A break makes you more efficient and better able...
Read MoreThe Union has been informed that some Hungry Jack’s members are being asked to switch from permanent part-time to casual employment, using the new Hungry Jack’s Agreement as the excuse. Your employer cannot do this. Below we have provided some...
Read MoreStatement from Gerard Dwyer, National Secretary of the SDA – the union for retail, fast
food and warehouse workers:
“The SDA is extremely disappointed that McDonald’s has today withdrawn the proposed
enterprise agreement from the registration process ...
Until quite recently the expression ‘wage theft’ was not part of our lexicon. Theft was a term almost exclusively reserved for (blue collar) criminals, for pick pockets, banks robbers, fraudsters and con artists. You know, the ‘real crims’! But it ...
Read MoreJade (left) has been working as an online shopper on a casual basis for a couple of years and was desperately wanting a contract to be able to better support her children. As a single mum, getting the kids to and from school and sporting commitments ...
Read MoreIf you are stuck in casual employment and want out, you are not alone, right now Australia has record high insecure work. There is good news though, because there is one easy and effective way to get permanent work using something called ‘casual...
Read MoreIncreases are necessary for the Union to continue the time consuming and expensive work of fighting for a better deal for our members. Considering this need, a small contribution increase will take effect on and from 1 July 2019.
Our contribution...
Read MoreTwo in three (65%) SDA members aged 15 years or older have experienced sexual harassment at some point in their lifetime.
Sexual harassment is an enormous issue in the industries where SDA members work - retail, fast food and warehousing....
Read MoreThe SDA has lodged a dispute with Woolworths in the Fair Work Commission for failing to consult with the SDA on behalf of members on the proposed changes from the new operating model, the impact of those changes and ways to minimise any impacts.
... Read MoreThe SDA and all unions, working through the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) have secured a 3% increase to the Australian minimum wage and to all modern award rates. The new rates will take effect from Monday 1 July 2019.
This increase...
Read MoreDiverse workplaces are the best workplaces.
This is definitely the case when it comes to our young member, Joseph from Belmont.
Joseph began working at his fast food store in 2015 as a casual. He is an enthusiastic and reliable worker, however he...
Read MoreDiscussion records are meetings with your supervisor or manager regarding an employee and a workplace issue. This might include behaviour and conduct at work or a specific event which has occurred at work and you may have been involved in some way.
... Read MoreAustralians are not getting a fair go. The rules are broken.
On 18 May, 2019 we need to change the government to change the rules.
Under the current government:
The news that Woolworths will be closing a number of Big W stores over a three year period is disappointing for employees, their families and the communities they serve. Although no specific sites have been identified at this stage the work of...
Read MoreNoni B workers have stood together and protected their hours of work.
Following a historic campaign by Noni B workers to stand together and oppose cuts to their permanent part-time hours, we are excited to share some good news.
Lawyers acting for...
Read MoreIn 2018 the Australian Human Rights Commission released shocking statistics about the prevalence of sexual harassment in workplaces across the country.
The SDA, the union for workers in retail, fast food and warehousing is working with the Human...
Read More'Better the balance and better the world' is the 2019 theme for International Women’s Day (IWD) being celebrated 8 March 2019. Pictured from left to right: Lyn Wiebe, Barbara Nebart, Sally McDonald.
The SDA is committed to gender equality in all...
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Meet MaryJane O’Dell from Big W Raymond Terrace - our February Delegate of the month
MaryJane is a dedicated delegate who takes pride in her role, especially when she helps the members in her store.
This dedication is evident in the work she is ...
Read MoreAs a young worker, Liam* (19) was excited to accept a promotion from his fast food employer. He’d worked hard to secure his new position of assistant manager and was enjoying the extra responsibility and pay that came with the role.
However, after...
Read MoreWhen Frank applied for a store transfer, he never thought he’d have to fight just to protect his entitlements or that he’d need the support of his union.
Frank is a long-term employee of a major supermarket and has been an SDA member for over 8...
Read MoreThe short answer is no. Management can not change your contracted hours without your approval.
Although it is illegal, it still happens, as Kelsie* found out:
For over 5 years Kelsie has been working at a major fast food restaurant on a...
Read MoreJames was working for a large fast food chain in Newcastle. It was his first job which he worked on the weekends and evenings while still going to school. James worked with a few mates from school who would regularly give away free food to their...
Read MoreThis year many retail and fast food employees will be working on Australia Day (Saturday) for no extra compensation or penalty rates.
For many of our members, this leaves them feeling like second class citizens as it seems only those working Monday ...
Read MoreWoolworths workers across the country will receive improved pay and conditions after the Fair Work Commission today approved their new enterprise agreement.
The Fair Work Commission approval comes after Woolworths workers voted overwhelmingly (93%) ...
Read MoreAustralia Day Public Holiday – Monday, 27 January, 2020
Monday 27 January is the Australia Day public holiday in NSW. Sunday 26 January is not a public holiday in NSW. This is because the Public Holidays Act 2010 provides that where Australia Day...
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In accordance with the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009, the Officer & Related Party Disclosure Statement is available.
Please click here to the statement for the period ending 30 June 2018
Read MoreMembers at Liquorland, Salamander Bay were having difficulties getting their concerns heard regarding some serious OHS issues. So they banded together and approached the SDA for help.
Pictured from left to right: Ryan, Terriann and Sean.
Issues ...
Read MoreLast week we told you about Woolworth’s shocking application to have its employees work on Christmas Day.
We’ve got an update – the application was REJECTED!
This is fantastic news. It means that rather than stocking shelves, Woolworths workers will...
Rewards programs have been with us for years in fast food chains and supermarkets.
Think toys with a kid’s meal, rewards cards and those ‘free’ samples or gifts you receive after spending a certain amount in store.
Back in the 80s they were...
Read MoreIn December 2017, the SDA launched the No One Deserves A Serve campaign to create awareness about retail and fast food workers facing constant abusive and violent behaviour from customers at work. This is a serious workplace health and safety issue...
Read MoreThe SDA recently made a submission to the Senate Inquiry regarding the enforcement of skilled visa arrangements. In particular, the SDA believes the current methods of enforcing proper wages and conditions for overseas workers is grossly inadequate.
... Read MoreA new enterprise bargaining agreement that protects take home pay and locks in hard won SDA conditions has received an overwhelming 91.7% yes vote from 32,000 Kmart workers.
72% (23,000) of Kmart workers participated in the vote and 21,000 voted...
Read MoreMeet Scott and Neeka from Woolworths Gosford - our December Delegates of the month!
Scott and Neeka worked hard as a team throughout the recent proposed Woolworths agreement which was rolled out across stores in September & October. Together,...
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Kirsty works at Woolworths as an online shopper. She recently had to take several weeks off work when she fell getting her son out of the car and fractured her wrist while protecting her son still in her arms.
Kirsty remembered hearing about...
Read MoreCasuals around Australia and across a wide variety of industries and occupations are being ripped off, in some cases being paid even less than permanent staff.
A paper released today by the peak body for working people has blown apart the myth...
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The laws and privacy provisions surrounding My Health Records (MHR) will be significantly improved after the My Health Records Amendment (Strengthening Privacy) Bill passed through the Senate this week.
The amendments made to the MHR include...
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Claudia (pictured middle) has worked alongside her team members as a store Delegate representing their working interests for over 3 years. She has been an active member of the Union since 2006.
We asked Claudia about her role as a Delegate....
Read MoreSDA member Michelle is a single mum and had been employed as a long term casual employee with a national supermarket chain.
Like many single mums, Michelle needed a regular income to provide for her family. Unfortunately, at the time, management...
Read MoreThe SDA’s ongoing work to ensure women receive equal access to dignity and security in retirement.
By Barbara Nebart, Branch Secretary
Australia’s superannuation system fails women
Women currently retire with on average 47% less superannuation ...
Read MoreFollowing a ballot of Woolworths Supermarket employees, an overwhelming majority have voted yes in favour of the proposed Agreement.
62% of eligible Woolworths Supermarkets employees voted in the ballot and of those an overwhelming 93% voted yes!
...
Read MoreDonna is an SDA Delegate at Coles. She has represented her team mates as a Union Delegate for 13 years.
Donna was recently recognized in the Australian Parliament for her contribution to securing the new Coles Agreement.
Here’s what she has to say ...
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Have you ever felt like you have been picked on by a colleague?
Perhaps you’ve been repeatedly criticised, isolated, overworked, teased or insulted by a fellow worker or manager?
Bullying at work occurs when:
a person or a group of people...
Read MoreSDA member Chloe works for a large supermarket chain. Chloe was appointed by her employer to take on extra responsibility at work as temporarily ‘in charge’ for 3 weeks.
When Chloe asked about compensation for the role, she was advised by her...
Read MoreIf you’re one of the 300,000 Australians working in Australia’s fast food industry, there are many things you should know about your employment.
This is especially the case if you’re a young worker or new to the workforce.
Most employees in the...
Read MoreWith the backing of his Union, Anthony was able to successfully switch to working day shifts.
Anthony works full time as a Baker at a supermarket. Until recently, he was working the very early morning shift.
Anthony is a father of two and his wife ...
Read MoreRecently, the SDA was able to recover underpaid wages for a group of night fill workers at a major supermarket who had been not paid correctly.
The night fill workers - whose rostered shifts were predominantly four hours from 8pm to 12am – were...
Read MoreToilet breaks are not a luxury, but a basic need. It is a legal requirement of employers to provide toilet breaks.
Problems can occur however, when employers believe that toilet breaks should happen in a workers’ own time. Work and rosters can be...
Read MoreIncidents can happen without warning in any workplace. Employers and employees should be prepared for emergencies.
What is first aid?
According to the First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice, first aid is “the immediate treatment or care...
Read MoreMelissa recently blocked attempts by her employer to reduce her hours. With the backing of her Union, Melissa successfully negotiated a new roster which suited her needs and didn’t lose any hours.
Melissa works part time at a leading retail store.
... Read MoreJuly 2018
Mark is a Delegate at Coles Cessnock. He has been a member for almost five years and a Delegate for four years.
Mark was recently one of a select group of Delegates from the SDA Newcastle & Northern Branch who were publicly...
Read MoreSDA member Sandy recently slipped in her bathroom and dislocated her finger.
Luckily for Sandy, all financial SDA members are covered by our accident insurance policy.
Slips, trips and falls can often result in broken bones or a dislocation which...
Read MorePatricia recently secured a permanent part-time job with the support of her Union, the SDA.
Patricia had been working at a supermarket on a casual basis for 18 months. She had worked regular hours, and she wanted job security and permanent hours.
... Read MoreTogether with her Union, SDA member Christelle recently secured improved safety in her workplace.
Christelle works for a liquor store. Management recently changed the roster so that only one staff member was rostered on to close the store of an...
Read MoreUnfortunately bullying and harassment is still common in the workplace. This could be because incidences often go unreported or are not resolved, as each person has a different perception of what ‘harassment’ and ‘bullying’ is.
What is workplace...
What is Long Service Leave and who is entitled to it?
Long Service Leave (LSL) is leave granted to any employee whether they are full time, part-time or casual for 10 years of continuous service to an employer.
If you have more than 10 years but...
Read MoreJune 2018
Nicole is one of three fantastic Delegates at Woolworths Mount Hutton. She has been a union member for almost three years and a Delegate for almost two years.
During her service as a Delegate she has dealt with numerous member issues and ...
Read MoreTime to resign?
Perhaps you’ve found another job, are ready to retire, have won the lottery or you just can’t do it anymore. Whatever the reason, you have rights when it comes to resigning. However you also have obligations.
You should give your...
Read MoreWorkers at Stockland Green Hills will once again be able to access free, safe parking at the centre, with the SDA, the Union for workers in retail, fast food and warehousing, and Stockland reaching an in-principle agreement.
The SDA has secured a...
Read MoreA ban on free single use plastic bags will be introduced in some states and select stores across Australia starting from June 2018.
Customers will be required to either bring their own bags or purchase a reusable bag.
The SDA, the union for...
Read MoreDressing and presenting yourself appropriately for work is not a choice, it’s a legal obligation. But what must an employee do to meet appropriate dress and presentation standards for work?
Minimum standards under the law are quite specific....
Read MoreIt was the collective voice and support of his union that helped SDA member Kon stand up and fight against a roster change at work recently.
Kon has worked for a supermarket chain for some 17 years.
For the last decade, he has also worked as a...
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Since last week, the workers’ fight to restore free and safe staff parking at Stockland Green Hills has gathered momentum.
Over 1,000 workers, tenants, customers, local residents and surrounding businesses have already signed the petition.
But...
Read MoreJoanne White works at McDonalds Heatherbrae. She has been a member of the SDA for four years and recently became a Union Delegate.
Here’s what she had to say about the role of Delegate, and why she became one.
Why did you become a Delegate?
... Read MoreWe live in a fast-paced world. People are increasingly time poor and stressed… and at times just plain rude.
But there’s no excuse for the increasing amount of physical and verbal abuse that customers are directing at retail and fast food staff.
... Read MoreSDA Union members and Officials recently worked together to improve several safety issues arising from construction works at Westfield Kotara.
Members had identified excessive noise and dust issues during trading hours.
Affected members worked...
April 2018
Katherine Hill is our Delegate at Kmart Bateau Bay. She has been a member of the SDA for more than seven years.
We asked Katherine about her role as a Delegate.
Why did you become a Delegate?
I was bullied within the workplace by a ...
Read MoreYou’ve got a new job! Congratulations!
There’s just a couple of things you need to do before you can start…
Tell your current employer you are leaving!
It can, on occasion, be quite satisfying to hand in your notice. Other times it can be quite...
Read MoreAbout one in five Australians will experience a mental illness, and most of us will experience a mental health problem at some time in our lives, according to the Australian Government Department of Health.
Mental (psychological) health, just...
Read MoreWhat do you do if you have a grievance or a problem at your workplace? For example, your employer insists on a change of your roster, leaving you with no one to care for your young children, or, you haven’t been paid for all the hours that you...
Read MoreIf you are offered a redundancy at work, the first thing you should do is check with the SDA to ensure you are being offered a genuine redundancy.
A redundancy occurs when an employer does not require an employee’s job to be done by anyone or the...
Read MoreAlmost one in five Australians reported living with a disability (18.3% or 4.3 million people) (ABS, October 2016). There may be persons with disabilities working in your workplace or you may yourself have a disability.
The Union is here to assist...
Read MoreRecently one of our members contacted us about a travel expense claim her employer was refusing to pay.
Alison, an employee of a petrol station chain, had submitted a travel claim for several shifts she had worked at another site over Christmas.
... Read MoreMost employees will be required to undertake workplace training to ensure they have the right skills and knowledge to perform their job.
This can include on or off-the-job training, online of face-to-face learning or individual or team-based...
Read MoreYou should receive regular payslips from your employer. Be sure to keep them!
Payslips may not seem important but they contain valuable information. Your payslip will tell you if you’ve been underpaid. It’s much easier to calculate how much back...
Read MoreA roster is a timetable that shows the days and times employees are required to work.
It is important that you know your rights when it comes to rosters and roster changes.
The SDA often receives calls from members who are considering a proposed...
Read MoreAt times during your career you may be asked to temporarily undertake a higher position than your usual role, be it for a couple of hours during your shift, or to cover for an employee on leave.
This is covered under most SDA agreement’s or the...
Read MoreMarch 2018
Belinda is our Delegate at Woolworths Toronto. She has been a Union member for more than 10 years and a Delegate for four years.
We asked her some questions about her role as a Delegate.
Why did you become a Delegate?
Our Union...
Read MoreScheduled Election
The results of the election for the following offices conducted in accordance with the provisions of the
Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 and the rules of the organisation are:
|
Branch... |
Emma, an employee of a major supermarket and an SDA member, commenced her maternity leave a few weeks before her baby was due.
Emma was first taking her annual leave before expecting to receive weekly payments under a company policy providing paid...
Read MoreBosses are increasingly using force or coercion so that they can attend doctor’s appointments with sick or injured employees.
In some cases, employers are going so far as to try to have employee’s medical certificates altered to get employees back...
Read MoreThe SDA has condemned a submission by the National Retailers Association (NRA) to the Fair Work Commission’s 4-yearly review of modern awards which calls for a 0% pay increase as completely out of touch with the realities of retail workers and the...
Read MoreForklifts can increase safety in workplaces as they reduce the need for manual handling y employees, and a s a result, can minimise the risk of manual handling issues.
However, like any machine, forklifts can be dangerous if not operated properly....
Read MoreRecently, the SDA was contacted by members at a supermarket.
The ‘paid meal break’ clause in the store had been overlooked by the employer.
The SDA investigated and discovered that Bill (pictured) and two other members were losing their...
Read MoreFebruary 2018
Brenda is our Delegate at Coles Fletcher. She has been an SDA member for three years and a Delegate since April 2015.
Brenda has been with Coles for more than four years. She currently works in the dairy department but has also...
Read MoreAs a casual employee, your hours can be cut. However, your employer must notify you prior to your shift that you are not required to work.
A common complaint we hear from our members is that they have arrived at work to find their shift has been...
Read MoreWorkers have overwhelmingly approved a new Dominos-SDA enterprise bargaining agreement which locks in full penalty rates, improved conditions and provides access to higher guaranteed hours for part time workers.
SDA National Secretary Gerard Dwyer...
Read MoreAs an employee is it vital that you take proper rest breaks and meal breaks as per your Enterprise Agreement or Award.
A rest break is a paid break which allows an employee to rest for a short period of time during their work hours. It can also be...
Read MoreSDA member Linda was considering resigning after she had been stood down from her retail role pending a request for medical information relating to pre-existing personal condition.
The part-time employee of a national department store was feeling...
Read MoreMany workplaces and work tasks expose employees to different types of cold environments. These can include cool-rooms, freezers and chilled areas such as meat preparation areas, or open areas of the workplace such as receiving areas and green life...
Read MoreThe SDA has been successful in its bid to secure overtime rates for casual workers in the retail, fast food, pharmacy and hair and beauty industries, in a case before the Fair Work Commission.
The win for casual workers came as part of the SDA’s ...
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With the arrival of summer, employees are reminded of the health and safety risks of working in extreme heat.
The human body sheds excess heat by sweating. Heat illness occurs when the body cannot sufficiently cool itself. Heat illness includes...
Read MoreEvery workplace has hazards.
Simply put, a hazard is anything (including work practices or procedures) that has the potential to harm the health and safety of a person.
Some hazards are more likely to be present in some workplaces than others.
It ...
Read MoreAt least a third of Australia’s high school students aged 15 years and above work in paid employment, the majority within the retail and fast food industries.
While working conditions are much better than they once were, the SDA continues to see...
Read MoreWhen Emalee, a worker at a large supermarket chain, began finding some of her duties difficult to perform due to her being pregnant, she assumed she would have to leave work.
She was unable to bend to fill shelves, was having trouble reaching up ...
Read MoreThe SDA, the union for workers in retail, fast food and warehousing has launched a major national campaign ‘No One Deserves a Serve’ to stop the abuse and violence towards retail and fast food workers by customers this Christmas.
The massive...
Read MoreThe SDA has been working hard to ensure that ALDI workers get a say about their pay and conditions set out in agreements.
The SDA successfully challenged the ALDI Regency Park Agreement in the Fair Work Commission (FWC) and the Federal Court...
Read MoreSDA member Sherin, an employee of a national supermarket chain, covered a relief role in the freezer for a colleague and months later, wondered if she had been entitled to a freezer allowance.
She contacted SDA to see if she was eligible to receive ...
Read MoreThe SDA, the union for workers in retail, fast food and warehousing has praised the Senate’s decision to prioritise debate of the Fair Work Amendment (Repeal of 4 Yearly Reviews and Other Measures) Bill 2017 which involves protecting penalty rates...
Read MoreSDA National Secretary Gerard Dwyer expressed deep disappointment at the news that up to 1,000 retail workers across the Specialty Fashion Group may lose their jobs as the company decided to close over 300 stores to 2020.
“This is absolutely...
Read MoreWhen Simone, an employee of a national discount department store, was rostered on for an early morning shift she wasn’t able to work, she went to her Union delegate.
Simone had been rostered to start at 6am, however as the permanent part time...
Read MoreA new Priceline Agreement has been voted up by a majority of employees and approved by the Fair Work Commission, securing improved pay and conditions for workers.
Following negotiations between the Company, all Priceline employees were given the...
Read MoreAs a casual worker you are employed on a shift-to-shift basis, and generally have no certainty of ongoing work.
The casual work arrangement should go both ways however. If shifts are only available casually, you are not obliged to always be...
Read MoreRecently one of our delegates contacted us about a roster change made by their store manager which would affect two members.
The members had volunteered to work on an upcoming public holiday, so the store manager changed the roster. The manager...
Read MoreRecently one of our members returned to work after taking 8 months’ extended leave due to a non-work related injury.
Prior to her return, Natalie, an employee of a major supermarket, touched base with the store to discuss her return date.
She was...
Read MoreNovember 2017
Here’s what Brendan (pictured left) has to say about his role as SDA Delegate.
Why did you become a Delegate?
I saw an opportunity to represent my fellow team members and use my position within my store as Deputy Manager to...
Read MoreThe Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) National Secretary Gerard Dwyer said while he was pleased Ms Vickers had discontinued her application to terminate the Coles 2011 enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) it was important to...
Read MoreFollowing applications by the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) made in June 2016 and July 2017 Deputy President (SDP) Hamberger of the Fair Work Commission (FWC) issued a decision to terminate all 27 expired Dominos Pizza...
Read MoreColes and the SDA have agreed on a draft new EBA to cover retail store team members.
The SDA set out to negotiate the Agreement with four key priorities, endorsed at multiple meetings by SDA Delegates from stores throughout Australia:
Rodger works at KFC.
Lucky for him, he is an SDA member.
Rodger was recently injured in a soccer game and required a knee reconstruction. He missed out on 6 weeks of work and can now only work if his duties do not require he twists his body.
Did...
Read MoreSeptember 2017
Delegate(s) of the month are… dynamic duo Liz Bass and Rowena McNeil from Coles Wyong.
Liz and Rowena have been working together as delegates for two years. They enjoy a successful partnership as delegates in the workplace as they...
Read MoreHave you ever been flexed up to a management role when your company needed you?
Did you know you should be paid for any additional duties you take on?
SDA member Gemma had been working as one of three acting ‘Duty Manager’s’ sharing a full-time...
Read MoreColes and the SDA have held meetings over the past two days as negotiations for a new Coles Supermarkets Agreement continues.
Throughout negotiations over the past 2 months there has been significant progress to secure a new agreement that delivers ...
Read MoreLiving in a country like Australia we can often forget that, in 2017, women still don't enjoy full equality to our male counterparts.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), has offered some depressing and shocking statistics on...
Read MoreDue to changes to the NSW Workers Compensation Act 1987 in 2012 any worker on workers compensation who is covered by this Act who has received weekly benefits for 260 weeks (5 years) or more who has not been assessed as having at least 21% whole...
Read MoreThe SDA know that staff shortages can be very upsetting and stressful for our members. The SDA takes workplace stress very seriously as it is a health and safety issue.
When workers have to work beyond their reasonable limits, so too does the...
Read MoreChristmas is at risk for retail workers in the Newcastle region following the tabling yesterday of a fundamentally flawed report which recommends full retail trading on December 26th - a day that has normally been kept closed for families to enjoy...
Read MoreHave you ever seen a notice such as this in your workplace?
Not only is it incorrect but it is unlawful.
An SDA Delegate intervened today in a major supermarket on the NSW Central Coast to have this notice removed.
Unfortunately notices like this ...
Read MoreThis week, during Safety Demands Action Week, SDA Union Delegates and Organisers will be out in stores talking to workers about health and safety in their store.
Customer abuse and violence is serious health and safety concern for retail and fast...
Read MoreBalancing pregnancy with work can be challenging for working women but with improved communication and understanding of pregnancy rights the SDA has been able to secure better outcomes for its pregnant members.
SDA member Susan recently needed the...
Read MoreThe SDA and Coles have met over the last two days continuing negotiations for a new Coles Supermarkets Agreement.
Negotiations this week have focused on SDA claims for rostering, entitlements and protections for part-time workers, domestic violence ...
Read MoreBurns to employees in the workplace can occur through many means; hot surfaces, chemicals, cooking oils, steam, radiant heat, fire, hot water etc.
With over 1.1million Australian workers, working in the retail or fast food industry, some of these...
Read MoreJuly 2017
Rising to the challenge is just one of the qualities we recognize in someone when choosing Delegates and Jo has done this in spades over and again this year.
Meet our Delegate of the Month – Jo Murdoch. Jo has worked with Myer for over...
Read MoreHow would you feel if you were on annual leave and came back to no job?
Brittany had only worked for Subway for four months when she was terminated, as she was still in her probationary period, she had no unfair dismissal rights.
Brittany...
Read MoreDavid Jones has advised the SDA that it is revising it’s “Wear What You Sell” preferred dress policy.
From the end of July 2017, Intimate Apparel, Shoes & Accessories and Childrenswear will revert to the “Black Out” preferred dress.
This is in...
In good news for casual workers, unions have won an important case to help secure better rights for casual workers.
Unions, including the SDA, are working hard to address the growing problem of casual work and casualisation of Australia’s...
Read MoreMedia release | 3 July 2017
The SDA, the Union for Workers in Retail, Fast Food & Warehousing is deeply disappointed by the Fair Work Commission’s ruling not to include paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave in Modern Awards.
SDA National...
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Are there cameras at your workplace?
Do you understand your legal rights at work when it comes to surveillance?
Here are some useful facts:
The Workplace Surveillance Act 2005 (NSW) is a NSW law only, with no other states regulating...
Read MoreJune 2017
Mackenzie is a proud Union member. He joined the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association Newcastle & Northern Branch (SDA), immediately after starting work at McDonalds in January 2012.
As a member, Mackenzie demonstrates ...
Read MoreSDA members often ask whether 'carton counts' or ‘scan rates’ are enforceable and whether they can be disciplined or even warned for not reaching targets set by management.
A carton count or a roll-cage carton count is the rate at which night-fill...
Read MoreElyse worked for a national department store as a casual for 6 years, working an average of 20 hours per week. When she returned to work from maternity leave, she was advised by her employer that there was only an average of 6 casual hours...
Read MoreCaitlin recently stood up for her rights at work on behalf of her co-workers and herself. Her workplace is now a better place to work with all workers receiving their minimum break entitlement – something which hadn’t occurred in her workplace for...
Read MoreMay 2017
Christina Lowe is our May Delegate of the Month. Christina has been a union member for almost 3 years and a Delegate for 7 months.
Christina was keen to share her thoughts about her role as a Delegate.
Why did you become a Delegate?
... Read MoreThe Fair Work Commission has handed down the Annual Wage Case, which determines the annual pay rise for workers covered by Modern Awards, writes David Bliss, Assistant Secretary.
What does this mean for workers covered by Awards?
In 2017, the...
Read MoreAllex injured himself on a jumping castle.
He dislocated his ankle and fractured his right leg. Allex did not think of contacting his Union, the SDA, after his accident as it had taken place outside of working hours. It was on the advice of another ...
Read MoreApril 2017
Quite simply, "It's just about being fair."
Meet our active 'delegate of the month' the bright, vivacious and outgoing Anita Briggs from Woolworths Lake Haven!
Anita has been a SDA member for 9 years and a Union Delegate for 8 years.
... Read MorePreparing to go on maternity leave can be overwhelming. If you find yourself in this situation; congratulations, sit back and read this guide:
You may be aware that the government have proposed changes...
Read More"I want to make a complaint about my working conditions but….
I am scared about what will happen to me and my job if I do.”
“Last time someone complained, things got much worse out on the floor and now we don’t think it is worth speaking up.”
...
Read MoreYesterday, the SDA applied to raise the base rate of pay for retail, fast food and pharmacy workers covered by Awards by 10% in addition to the $45 increase sought by the ACTU.
The Liberal Government has now announced it will fight AGAINST our push ...
Read MoreHarrison contacted the SDA, the union for retail, fast food and warehousing workers, when he was moved department and told his hours had been cut, without reason. Harrison had been working regular hours for months in the same department prior to...
Read MoreIn accordance with the provisions of regulation 141 of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Regulations 2009 the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association-Newcastle and Northern Branch advises that a copy of the AEC post-election...
Read MoreThe ACTU is asking the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for a $45 a week (6.7%) increase in the national minimum wage.
The proposed rise is above the 2.4% increase the FWC handed down last year when it lifted the national minimum wage by $15.80 a week,...
Read MoreThe Union strongly opposes the continuation of the Boxing Day trading trial and supports five (5) restricted trading days, specifically Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Anzac Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Public holidays remain significant cultural ...
Read MoreImagine seeing this text on your work noticeboard or being told this in a team meeting:
Recently the SDA has been made aware of an area manager of a large supermarket rolling out a new policy to staff around sick leave. The policy was of...
Read MoreUnion member Olivia, recently contacted the SDA while in discussions with her employer; a national chemist chain. Olivia’s long term partner had been offered a high paying job abroad. As her partner is the breadwinner of the family, and Olivia was...
Read MoreMarch 2017
Harry Fuller is our March Delegate of the Month. He has been a Union member for 7 years and a Delegate for 1 year and 9 months.
Why did you become a Delegate?
I became a Delegate so my colleagues would have representation for night...
Read MoreAustralian women need to join their union now more than ever writes SDA Newcastle & Northern Branch Secretary Barbara Nebart.
The union movement has been at the forefront of women’s rights in Australia since the beginning.
When women entered...
Read MoreMedia release | 23 February 2017
The Fair Work Commission’s decision to cut Sunday and public holiday penalty rates means that retail and fast food workers will lose out on more than $1 billion each year while not creating a single extra job.
SDA...
Read MoreTHINK before you post, like, share, send, tweet, re-tweet, snap-chat or instagram!
Recently, the SDA's attention has been turned towards social media policies in the workplace in particular where there has been an increase in disciplinary action...
Read MoreOccupational Health and Safety is a major issue facing Australian workplaces and unions.
Many decades of struggle by trade unions have produced healthier and safer working conditions but the level of occupational injury, disease and death is still...
Read MoreFor most workers, public holidays mean a day off work with pay to share with family and friends in celebration of significant cultural, social or religious occasions. In the retail and fast food industries, especially, if only it were that straight ...
Read MoreIt’s important that you know what your rights are when it comes to rosters and roster changes.
The SDA often receives calls from members who are considering a proposed roster change put forward by their company.
Members often ask the SDA what can...
Read MoreBreaks are not optional extras. They must be taken and cannot be withdrawn by your employer.
It’s very important to take your breaks when they fall due because they are designed to give you a rest.
A break makes you more efficient and better able...
Read MoreYou have a right to be paid the correct grade:
Employees should be paid in accordance with their correct classification or “grade”.
Enterprise agreements and Modern Awards have a classification section which sets out job roles and the associated...
Read MoreThe Union regularly assists members with issues in their workplaces. It might be that members are being underpaid or are unsure of their rights and come to us for help. Often we may require payslips, rosters, contracts of employment or other related ...
Read MoreCould you survive working in the summer in the fast food industry with no air-conditioning?
Workers in a national fast food store were doing just that until a Union Official visited the store and noticed that the air con unit was no longer working. ...
Read MoreJanuary 2017
Rebecca Holt is our January Delegate of the Month. Rebecca works in Woolworths Newcastle West. She has been a Union member for 12 years and a Delegate for 3 years.
Lyn, SDA Organiser, sat down with Rebecca and asked her some questions ...
Read MoreThe SDA, the union representing retail, fast food and warehouse workers, has won a victory for H&M workers after successfully opposing an unfair enterprise agreement in the Fair Work Commission (FWC).
Deputy President Bull dismissed the...
Read MoreStephanie had a snowboarding accident at the end of August. She pulled cartilage, dislocated her knee and was written off work for 4 weeks. As Stephanie injured herself outside work, she had expected to pay the cost of her treatment and time off...
Read MoreYour employer is obliged to ensure that your workplace is safe (as far as reasonably practicable), so if you experience or are aware of any problems which create risks to your health and safety at work, you need to report them.
SPEAK UP!
Raising a ...
Read MoreDecember 2016
Diane Bickerstaff and Nicole Ferris are Union Delegates at Coles Lake Haven.
We recently sat down with both Delegates to discuss the benefits of working as a team. Both Diane and Nicole agreed that having a colleague to lend support ...
Read MoreNarisa works for a national retailer. In 2015, the company trained her as a corset fitter. In 2016, she was trained in prosthesis fitting. As this training is not standard training, Narisa was unsure if she should be paid for higher duties.
When...
Read More
‘Post-truth’ is the Oxford Dictionary’s word of the year.
The definition of ‘post-truth’ is, “relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal...
Read MoreHave you ever broken or fractured a bone or sustained other injuries at home; playing sports, out and about with family and friends or on holidays?
Accidents can happen at anytime. Depending on the type of injury you suffer, you may not be able to...
Read More
Earlier this month the SDA Newcastle Branch participated in a Young Workers Conference.
During the conference a report was released which found about half of young workers have experienced bullying or harassment on the job.
The stories of...
Read MoreRetail worker, Barry*, recently needed a transfer to another workplace but ran into unexpected problems when he arrived there.
He faced an all too common problem. His employer attempted to unlawfully cut his hours from full-time to casual in the...
Read MoreOn Boxing Day, Thursday 26 December 2019, you are entitled to exercise your legal right to take the time off on the public holiday unless you freely elect to work without any pressure, coercion, harassment, threat or intimidation.
Retail employers...
Read MoreThis week a major retailer failed to process the payment of wages correctly on time. This in itself is disappointing because many workers were left with an anxious wait while the problem was rectified. Fortunately, through the quick response of...
Read MoreImagine if you took a stroll down to the cash registers at work, popped open the drawer and helped yourself to an amount as small as $5, writes Nina Hutchinson.
You would expect some pretty serious consequences, right? Perhaps an investigation...
Read MoreYou’re working full-time in a job you enjoy and your boss approaches you one day and directs you to go part-time. What would you do?
That’s the dilemma which faced Jack last week.
Jack is a 20 year old fast food worker who has worked full-time...
Read MoreSeptember 2016
Danae is our Delegate at Woolworths Rutherford. She has been a Union member for nearly 6 years and a Delegate since Nov 2014.
Belinda, an SDA Recruiter, sat down with Danae and asked her some questions about her role as a Delegate.
... Read MoreDo you know if you're getting paid correctly? When was the last time you checked your payslip? Payslips are vital to ensure that you, the employee, receive the correct pay and entitlements and allow your employer to keep accurate and complete...
Read MoreOur Delegate in Jay Jay’s Kotara, Robyn, recently met with management to advise them that they couldn’t cut back on permanent part time hours without notice. This issue affected both union and non-union members. As a result of Robyn advising...
Read MorePeople of all walks of life need blood products, writes Jade Baker.
Some need it to get them through a serious event in their lives, like cancer or a dangerous pregnancy. Others have medical conditions which mean they need blood products regularly...
Read MoreA warehouse worker who admitted to smoking cannabis the evening before attending work has failed to get his job back in a high risk environment. The worker claimed his dismissal was harsh, unjust or unreasonable before the Fair Work Commission but...
Read MoreFamily and domestic violence is a workplace issue, writes Branch Secretary, Barbara Nebart.
The SDA is fully committed to supporting initiatives aimed at removing domestic violence from our society and recognises that Domestic Violence is a...
Read MoreOur member, Randall Connell, works at Officeworks and recently noticed that he had not been correctly paid the higher duties rate and first aid allowance in accordance with his Enterprise Agreement.
After investigation and discussions with...
Read MoreJuly 2016
Jenna Schofield is a Bunnings workplace Delegate. She has been a Union member for 3 years and a Delegate since Oct 2015. We sat down with Jenna and asked her some questions about her role as a Delegate.
Why did you become a Delegate?
I ...
Read MoreThe Fair Work Commission has awarded a part time cleaner $9187.20 in compensation after he was fired for having a cup of coffee on the job.
The cleaner, an international student on a visa which restricts him from working more than 20 hours a week,...
Read MoreIn breaking news, the Fair Work Commission has just ruled that the enterprise agreement that 91 per cent of Coles workers who voted endorsed, should remain in place, confirming that the vast majority of Coles workers are better off.
Today in the...
Read MoreThe Fair Work Commission (FWC) has handed down its annual minimum wage ruling today.
The FWC heard evidence and submissions from unions, employer associations and other interested parties during an exhaustive process which commenced late last year.
... Read MoreMay 2016
Lee Mills is our Delegate in Woolworths Muswellbrook. She has been a Union member for 3 years and a Delegate since Oct 2013.
Kim, an SDA Organiser, sat down with Lee and asked her some questions about her role as a Delegate.
Why did...
Read MoreA large part of the Union’s work is assisting our members with workplace injuries and Workers Compensation claims.
The Union is aware that there have been many recent cases of employers seeking to attend Doctor’s appointments or that workers have...
Read MoreNicole Cox fractured her ankle whilst mowing her lawn when her foot rolled into a divot.
During a Union Official’s visit to Nicole store, Nicole was advised she could claim through the Union’s Accident Insurance. She received a payout of $600.
The ...
Read MoreSDA member Maria Lockwood turned up to work at ‘The Base Warehouse - The Entrance’ last September for an extra shift. Instead she was handed a letter that gave her the sack for reasons which she strongly denied. Her employer would not even talk to...
Read MoreCatherine Sparke contacted the SDA after working for 10 years for an international fast food chain.
The franchise owner was being very difficult about Catherine's resignation. After some intervention from the SDA regarding notice period and amount ...
Read MoreAimee Ringham, a manager at a Charlestown clothing company, recently contacted the Union, shortly after becoming a member. She was concerned her wages were not being calculated correctly. While the SDA can only represent members with current issues...
Read MoreThe Attacks
Currently there is a three-pronged attack on your rights at work and your right to compensation for working weekends.
Attack One: Employers
Employers have made applications to cut workers’ rights to penalty rates on the weekend....
Kaye Stevens, a long standing Union member working for Myer Charlestown, recently suffered a fall which left her with a broken wrist.
Upon speaking with her store Delegate, she was advised she could claim on the Unions accident insurance which...
Read MoreA sixteen year old KFC worker in Geelong suffered horrific burns to his face and body in a workplace accident on Friday night.
Tyson Grieg, 16, an experienced cook, worked for KFC for 2 years when the incident occurred.
'I was shocked at how...
Jade Baker, Industrial Officer writes:
Here are some of the things you are entitled to as a casual employee:
After a long drawn out Workers Compensation battle, one of our SDA members, Sharon Bailey, had a nice win last year. Sharon Bailey was injured during the course of her daily duties. While on Workers Compensation, the company deducted Sharon’s days ...
A regular feature of the Union’s work is providing assistance to members before, during and after performance meetings. Far too often members find themselves in situations where they say, “If only I’d known!” or “Why was I so silly?”
The golden...
Read MoreA group of members from a national retailer recently contacted the union after staff members received a letter from their head office, which upon reading, they did not understand. The store Delegate contacted the SDA office on behalf of store...
The role of the Women`s Officer is to help our members maintain the balance between their working life and time with their family.
While many of the issues we deal with are specific to women, we can also advise the many dads who need to know...
You have a right to be paid the correct grade:
Employees should be paid in accordance with their correct classification or “grade”.
Enterprise agreements and Modern Awards have a classification section which sets out job roles and the associated...
Read More
