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.

Big W Endeavour Hills Closes Its Doors

11 Jul 2017

Big W Endeavour Hills opened in 1984, and closed its doors for the last time on 15 January 2017.

Fighting For Exploited 7-Eleven Workers

05 Jul 2017

When the systemic underpayment and exploitation of 7-Eleven workers was revealed by ABC’s Four Corners and Fairfax Media in 2015, the nation was ag

Employees the Big Losers - Bosses the Big Winners

28 Jun 2017

Retail and pharmacy workers lose 50% for working on Sunday.
Workers lose 25% for working on public holidays.

No Excuse For Abuse

22 Jun 2017

Thousands of retail and fast food workers experienced abuse or violence from a customer in the last year and it is unacceptable.

Over the festive season, the SDA ran a nation-wide campaign calling for respect for retail and fast food workers.

The campaign was widely supported by SDA members, workers and the wider community who helped spread the word.

We urged customers to keep their cool during the busy festive season in stores and in fast food restaurants.

Surveying Our Members

The SDA also launched an online survey to ask retail and fast food workers about the customer violence and abuse they experienced at work.

Feedback from workers is essential to better understand the issues they face and how to address the issue.

Your Long Service Leave Questions Answered

13 Jun 2017

The SDA was at the frontline in lobbying the State Government for better and fairer long service leave benefits. Improvements were made in 2005.

Understanding the laws can be confusing! So let’s look at some of the most commonly asked questions about long service leave:

All of these FAQ's and more are also available from the FAQ section

Q: How much long service leave am I entitled to and when is it due?

Paid Parental Leave Protected - For Now

05 Jun 2017

Last year, the SDA ran a strong campaign to protect Paid Parental Leave (PPL) after the Federal Coalition Government proposed cuts that would leave

Managers: Keep Out of Medical Appointments

18 May 2017

All SDA members should be aware that managers and insurance companies have no right to attend your medical appointments, even if it is for a work-related injury.

Penalty Rates Cut to See $667 Million Lost to Workers in Regional Communities

16 May 2017

New data from the McKell Institute released today shows workers in 45 regional communities will lose $667 million each year from penalty rates cuts

We're Applying to Federal Court to Stop Penalty Rates Cuts

11 May 2017

The Fair Work Commission’s decision to cut penalty for retail, fast food and pharmacy workers covered by Awards is unfair – we want it stopped.

Mildura Roadshow

09 May 2017

The ‘SDA Mildura Roadshow’ landed in Mildura in the week beginning 13 February.

2-For-1 Month at Luna Park This May

02 May 2017

During May 2017, when you visit Luna Park, and buy one ticket, you'll get another for free*.

How it Works

Christmas Day: Permanent Fix

28 Apr 2017

The SDA has filed a submission supporting legislation to appoint Christmas Day as a public holiday whenever it falls on a Saturday or Sunday as wel

Wins, Losses & Business as Usual

27 Apr 2017

Penalty Rates Case

SDA Calls For Wage Increases to Offset Penalty Rate Cuts

01 Apr 2017

Media Release: 29/03/2017

Nurses See First Tranche of Sunday Penalty Rate Cuts Thanks to Emboldened Billion-Dollar Healthcare Employer

29 Mar 2017

Nurses working for Sonic Health Plus could see their award-aligned Sunday penalty rates cut from 75% to 50%, in what is expected to be worrying tre

Best Wishes, Ian

24 Mar 2017

The SDA National Assistant Secretary Ian Blandthorn retired after 30 years as Assistant National Secretary and 37 years of employment with the SDA.

The 'Gig' Economy

02 Mar 2017

The SDA is very concerned about protecting rights of workers in what is called the gig economy, which includes Uber, Deliveroo and Foodora.

Sunday & Public Holiday Rates Slashed

23 Feb 2017

Update 11/5/2017: We're Applying to Federal Court to

Fair Work Commission Cuts Sunday & Public Holiday Penalty Rates

23 Feb 2017

Media Release: 23/02/2017

The Struggle Continues to Protect Penalty Rates

16 Feb 2017