Latest News

Recent news items and publications regarding issues important to our members can be viewed below.

Older articles can be accessed through the ‘Archive’ tab, on the right hand side of the page.


Don't Let This Happen to You

The operator of a 7-11 store in Brisbane is facing court for allegedly underpaying an employee more than $21,000 and refusing to co-operate with Fa

Accident Insurance Pays

All financial SDA members are automatically covered for accidents by the Union – depending on the injury, members may be eligible for up to $40,000

Vale, Hans

Hans Braentel passed away on 2 February after a long illness.

100% Pay Campaign Heats Up

The next 12 months in the campaign for full adult wages for 18- and 19-year-olds are going to be critical.

National Day of Protest - 4 March

Defend Your Rights At Work

National Day of Protest - 4 March

Rest & Industry Funds Lead the Way

Superannuation is a long-term investment strategy, and all funds bounce around over shorter time frames, reflecting monthly movements in their investment markets.

How The SDA Can Help With Non-Union Agreements

The SDA negotiates with a large number of companies to make Enterprise Agreements. Enterprise Agreements are negotiated terms and conditions of employment within a company or organisation. When negotiating an Agreement, the SDA acts as a representative of all of its members within a company.

Greetings From Germany

It has been a very eventful past few months. It started off slowly, with school until 31 July and then my Summer holidays began. They were mostly spent cleaning and helping my host family, going out with my host sister and friends, and of course walking my neighbour’s dog, Yukon.

You Have A Right To Privacy & Choice Of Doctor

The SDA is concerned about an increasing number of reports of employers trying to: direct workers to certain doctors; be present during the medical consultation; and/or influence the medical treatment of ill and injured workers.

SDA Takes Domestic & Family Violence Seriously

Domestic/family violence is an abuse of power by a partner, ex-partner or family member which can take many forms including intimidation, control, isolation and emotional, physical, sexual or financial abuse. Domestic/family violence not only impacts the home, it impacts all aspects of our community, including workplaces.

The Ups & Downs of 2014

The year 2014 started on a high note. The SDA made a historic breakthrough in winning the adult rate of pay for 20-year-old workers in the retail industry. Unfortunately, after that victory a number of very negative events occurred in 2014.

Federal Government's IR Agenda Revealed

At the time that the Abbott Liberal Government was elected in 2013, it promised not to bring back WorkChoices.

After a Long Battle, We Finally Win Easter Sunday as a Public Holiday

The SDA has been campaigning long and hard for many years for Easter Sunday to be a public holiday.   Good Friday is a public holiday.  Easter Satu

Federal Liberal Government Starts Review of Industrial Relations System

Penalty Rates, Minimum Wage, Individual Contracts, Unfair Dismissal Laws, Awards, Enterprise Agreements and the Independent Umpire (the Fair Work Commission) are all up for grabs

Enrol to Vote in State Election

A State Election is being held on 29 November 2014.  Some of the issues in that election affect retail and fast food workers such as whether or not

SDA Launches Young Workmate of the Year Awards

Do you know a young worker who always gives 100% in the workplace? We want to meet them!

A Positive Start to 2014

At the start of the year we like to outline the broad range of services we provide to our members. The fundamental reason we exist is to look after your wages and conditions. In addition to that most important task, we provide a wide range of services and benefits to you.