2016 has been a year of waiting. But much work has been going on in the background.
Christmas Day Holiday Win
Firstly, arising from lobbying by the SDA, with support from other unions, we have had a big win.
The State Government has declared Christmas Day (25 December) as a public holiday. Members will receive their public holiday entitlements on Christmas Day, bringing us into line with all other Australian States and Territories.
Negotiations Stalled
Most employers have held off from conducting negotiations on new enterprise agreements as we all await the outcome of major cases on Sunday and public holiday penalty rates in the Fair Work Commission in the retail, fast food and hospitality awards. However, we have negotiated interim wage increases in a number of those cases.
Looking Towards the Future
The SDA has done significant work on the new form of enterprise agreements in the future following a decision by the Fair Work Commission in relation to Coles Supermarkets.
The Fair Work Commission changed the interpretation of the Better Off Overall Test. This new interpretation affects other unions as well.
Positive Agenda
The SDA has also been working on a positive agenda for members which includes the following:
- Public holiday equity for weekend workers.
This includes our Easter Sunday and Christmas Day campaigns.
It also includes a case in the Fair Work Commission to ensure that employees under the award receive another day off or another day’s pay when a public holiday falls on a non-working day. - Improving junior rates of pay through our 100% Pay at 18+ Campaign.
- Campaigning for superannuation equity for women. Over their lives, most women accrue less superannuation than men, due to taking time off to have children, and often returning to work part time for a period.
- Defending paid parental leave from attempts by the Liberal Government to reduce entitlements.
- Assisting the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) in its test case in the Fair Work Commission to win family and domestic violence leave for employees who may be the victims of family and domestic violence.
- Working with Maurice Blackburn on supporting exploited workers at 7-Eleven and recovering unpaid wages for them.
On behalf of State Council and the SDA’s Organisers, Trish and I wish all members a happy Christmas and New Year.