FAQ

Here are some answers to question we commonly get asked at the SDA.

If you can’t see an answer to your query, please contact the SDA.

Click on a question below to find out the answer.

What is the SDA?

The SDA is an independent and non-for-profit union that represents workers employed in retail, fast food and warehouse sectors.

We act on behalf of our diverse members to protect workers rights and improve conditions and wages.

Where do I have to work to be eligible for membership?

SDA Victoria represents members from many different workplaces.

Workers from the following industries are eligible for SDA Victoria membership:

Retail
Fast food
Petrol stations
Warehousing and Distribution
Hairdressing and beauty salons
Models and Mannequins

Please click here to find out if your employer operates in an eligible industry.

Are my membership fees tax-deductable?

Yes, you can claim 100% of your fees as a deduction when you file for a tax return.

Why should I join the SDA?

Union membership has many advantages. We provide services to member to improve their work-life-balance and protect our members against unfair practices.

SDA protects our members against practices such as:

Unfair dismissal
Victimisation
Intimidation
Bullying
Sexual harassment
Discrimination

If I change jobs, does my SDA membership transfer with me?

No, if you change jobs you need to contact SDA so you will still be covered by our workplace protections.

Who/what are Delegates?

Delegates are unpaid SDA representatives in workplaces.

What is the entitlement to long service leave?

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How is long service leave calculated?

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What happens to my long service leave if my hours of work are increased or reduced?

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What happens to my long service leave if I resign or am terminated by the company?

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When can I take long service leave?

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Do you get penalties / loadings whilst taking long service leave?

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How am I paid when I take long service leave?

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I work as a casual employee do I accrue long service leave?

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I was a casual before I became permanent with my company. Does it count as part of the years of service for long service leave?

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Can I take double the length of long service leave at half pay?

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What if there is a pay rise while I am on long service leave?

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What if a public holiday occurs during long service leave?

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What happens to my long service leave when I go on maternity/paternity leave?

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Can I work elsewhere while I am on long service leave?

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What happens with long service leave with other absences from work?

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Can I be paid out my long service leave while I remain working with the company instead of taking the leave?

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What if I resign from the company and am re-employed within a short period afterwards. Do I have continuity of employment for long service leave purposes?

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What happens with long service leave if I am dismissed and then re-employed by the same company?

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What long service leave am I entitled to beyond 10 years?

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Is long service leave taken as one block of leave, or is it broken up into smaller periods?

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Do I have to speak to the workcover “investigator”?

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If you are part time or full time, can my employer make you change your roster without any notice period?

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Can I refuse to have anyone from my workplace to accompany me to my doctor appointments?

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What do I do if a department or store manager insist of coming with me to my GP?

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Do I have to see the company preferred doctor or can I see my own doctor?

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Do I get paid while I’m waiting to see if the claim has been accepted?

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How long after I lodge a Workcover claim will I know if it’s been accepted?

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Coles keep telling us we have to work 50% of public holidays, is that correct?

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Should I keep copies of Workcover paperwork ?

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Can I be requested to only work 4 hours on a public holiday instead of the 8 hours I would normally work?

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If my Return to Work (RTW) restrictions and directions are not being followed in my workplace, what should I do?

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What do I do if the company either doesn't accept my workcover claim or the claim is terminated?

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Do I need to keep supplying “Certificates of Capacity” from my doctor when my claim has been terminated?

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Can I get union representation when I attend conciliation?

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If I need more information or advice connected with my Workcover claim can I get advice from the union solicitors?

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Do I need to attend the Independent medical examiners appointment (IME)?

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I work part time, does the company need to take my family responsibilities into consideration when changing your roster?

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Is my employer required to accept my Doctor’s certificate for a Workcover claim (known as the Certificate of Capacity)?

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I want to work on public holidays but they say they don’t need me. Can they do this?

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