The SDA is a national union that represents workers in the retail, fast food, and warehouse sectors, advocating for fair pay, conditions, and protecting members from unfair practices.
A union is formed when a group of employees in a particular trade or industry come together to defend and promote their wages and working conditions through common action.
Strengthening workers’ pay and conditions is possible through negotiating strong Agreements with employer groups, lobbying for better worker rights and upholding those rights through support and representation at work.
Union affairs tend to be very time-consuming and therefore full-time union officials are necessary to do the various jobs that must be done if a union is to succeed in its aims.
The SDA is a strong, efficient, and progressive union, staffed by dedicated officials experienced in dealing with management at all levels.
The SDA or The Shop, Distributive & Allied employees' association is an independent and non-profit union that represents workers employed in Retail, Warehousing, Fast Food, Hair & Beauty and Mannequins & Models sectors. We pride ourselves on being a professional organisation that negotiates the best conditions for our members.
The sectors we represent enjoy some of the best pay and conditions in the country. Over the years these pay rates and conditions have been negotiated collectively to ensure your rights are upheld.
The SDA has a strong working relationship with employers at both a state and national level. We work hard to ensure that the SDA is well respected within the industry, to ensure all members are represented and are protected.
SDA members are entitled to many services as part of their membership. When unfair practices occur or members require support for any work related matters, SDA members have access to their union’s services which include:
Free legal advice and representation
Workers Compensation advice and representation
Health and safety advice and representation
Free confidential phone advice
The SDA protects its members against threats to their jobs and unfair practices such as:
Unfair dismissal
Victimisation
Intimidation
Bullying
Sexual harassment
Discrimination
Being a member also includes exclusive access to a variety of deals, discounts and benefits in addition to legal and workplace support. This includes:
Free Accident Insurance (for injuries outside of work)
Free text book scholarships
Free giveaway competitions
Free AFL and AFLW tipping competitions (with cash prizes)
The SDA makes sure its members are receiving the entitlements they deserve. Our goal is to be united and stronger together in advancing the pay and conditions of the sectors we represent.
“SDA helped me with legal issues when I was stuck.”
– Jesse Smith, Member since 2017
Join SDA VIC today!
Join over 200,000 retail, warehousing and fast food workers standing up for a fair go! Receive the following benefits:
Advice and representation when you need it at work
Regular industrial updates on all work related matters
Free Accident Insurance for injuries outside of work
The SDA is taking a historic case to the Fair Work Commission to end junior pay rates for workers 18 and older and to increase pay for most workers under 18. We’re taking aim at age discrimination so adults are paid fair wages.
Advice and representation when you need it at work
