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.

Changes to Senate Voting

30 Jun 2016

The Federal Parliament recently passed changes to the voting method for electing Senators across the whole of Australia.

Why Protect Penalty Rates? Here’s What You Said

30 Jun 2016

The Fair Work Commission is currently reviewing penalty rates in the hospitality and retail sectors.

Pathway to Work Or Road to Nowhere

29 Jun 2016

How does the Turnbull Government’s proposed ‘Youth Jobs PaTH (Prepare-Trial-Hire) Programme’ measure up?

Sunday & Public Holiday Penalty Rates Still Under Attack

28 Jun 2016

Currently, there is major attack on penalty rates for Sunday work and for work on public holidays in the retail, fast food and hospitality industri

Which Party Will Retain Your Penalty Rates?

21 Jun 2016

A Federal election is to be held on Saturday 2 July.

Higher Wage Rates in Coles for 18 & 19 Year Olds From 6 June 2016

16 Jun 2016

For some years the SDA has been pursuing wage justice for young workers through our 100% Pay at 18+ Campaign.

Important Coles Update

09 Jun 2016

As you are aware, the Fair Work Commission recently made a ruling about the Coles Agreement and had given the Company until 10 June 2016 to conside

Statement from Gerard Dwyer, National Secretary of the SDA - Re: Coles Decision

09 Jun 2016

Statement from Gerard Dwyer, National Secretary of the SDA – the union for retail, fast-food and warehouse workers – re Coles decision

Helping to Find a Treatment

07 Jun 2016

The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) would like to say a huge thanks to the dedicated support from the SDA over the past 18 years in hostin

Fair Work Finds Majority of Coles Workers Better Off

31 May 2016

The Fair Work Commission has today determined that the recently negotiated Coles enterprise agreement should remain in place, confirming that the v

Join the Campaign to Protect Penalty Rates

31 May 2016

The Australian weekend is iconic.

Outrageous Attack On Your Wages & Conditions Continues

24 May 2016

Productivity Commission Report:

Saying "No" To Harassment By Customers

17 May 2016

According to recent reports, Bunnings has banned some tradesmen from one of their Melbourne stores after a complaint of sexual harassment was made by a staff member.

ABC Radio reported that the employee was fearful that her employment would be terminated because she complained, but was “delighted” when management chose to stand by its employees. Well done, Bunnings!

ALP Plan to Tackle Worker Exploitation

10 May 2016

In recent times, there have been significant examples of exploitation of workers, especially migrant workers, in some non-unionised sectors of the

Super Guarantee Freeze: Less For Your Retirement

03 May 2016

Most superannuation experts agree that 9% superannuation contributions is not enough to build an account balance for a comfortable retirement.

The challenge has long been to lift the 9% contribution to 12%, but unfortunately Coalition Governments have a track record of freezing or delaying increases in superannuation contributions.

Despite the Keating Government unveiling an increase in super from 9% to 12% of earnings in 1995, John Howard (Prime Minister 1996-2007) successfully stalled any increase in superannuation contributions for more than 11 years.

It was left to the Gillard Government to legislate a timetable to achieve the 12% contribution for working Australians.