A union is an organisation of workers who join together to achieve common workplace goals through collective bargaining.

A union represents workers in a particular industry by negotiating for job security, fair pay and better working conditions.

A union provides members with workplace information, support and advice, workplace representation when a problem arises, and legal representation for underpayments, unfair dismissals and workers compensation.

The SDA is an independent and not-for-profit union that represents workers employed in retail, warehousing, fast food, pharmacy, hair and beauty, and modelling industries.

We act on behalf of our diverse members to protect workers rights, improving pay and conditions.

Any worker working in the retail, warehousing, fast food, pharmacy, hair and beauty, and modelling industries can join the SDA.

Click here to join the SDA sdavic.org/join

For support from the SDA, call the SDA Office at (03) 9698 1400, Free call 1800 133 048 or email info@sdavic.org

Being an SDA member means that you are never alone as a worker, and if you ever have any concern about your pay and conditions at work - the SDA has your back every step of the way. 

SDA members also receive a range of benefits including FREE Accident Insurance for injuries outside of work, discounted movie tickets and access to 1000s of exclusive deals and discounts via our SDA Vic Benefits App.

SDA members are united and stronger together.

SDA members in Victoria come from many different workplaces. The SDA represents workers who are employed in the following industries:

• Retail:
  • Department stores
  • Supermarkets
  • Discount stores
  • Hardware stores
  • Liquor stores
  • Administration in retail organisations
• Warehousing and Distribution
• Fast Food
• Petrol stations
• Hairdressing and Beauty salons
• Modelling

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

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

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

SDA members also get to enjoy a range of benefits and services, you can find our more about why you should join the SDA by clicking here. 

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

An SDA Delegate is an approinted representative that represents union members in the workplace, acting as the first point of contact for issues or changes. They support, negotiate, and ensure workers' rights are upheld. Delegates facilitate communication, resolve disputes, and are important contributors to EBA negotiations. Industrial relations laws protect and support their essential role.

After at least 7 years’ continuous employment with one employer, an employee is entitled to long service leave.

No. The SDA recommends that you avoid speaking to a WorkCover Investigator about your own or another staff member's WorkCover claim, particularly prior to the acceptance or rejection of a claim. 

No. Only if you agree, otherwise you need to be given the proper notice under your Award or Agreement.

Yes, you can absolutely refuse this request. Your medical appointments are personal and private. You should never be required to have a colleague/workmate attend your medical appointments, if this is occuring we suggest that you contact the SDA Union ASAP for advice and representation where necessary.

You are not required to have department or store managers attend your personal medical appointments. If your manager or employer insists on attending your medical appointments, contact the SDA and seek assistance ASAP.

You should always seek medical consultation from your personal, preferred doctor. 

You can use sick leave/personal leave while waiting. If your claim is accepted this leave will be re-instated.

Your employer must pass the claim on to its Insurer within 10 days. The insurer must make a decision to accept or reject your claim within 28 days. If no decision is made within 28 days, your claim is deemed to have been accepted.

No. That is not correct. Under the Coles Agreement, work on all public holidays is on a voluntary basis. 

Keep copies of every document relevant to your WorkCover matters. This is especially important if you want to take the matter further or to claim for expenses etc.

An example of paperwork may be Certificates of Capacity, chemist receipts, travelling expenses etc.

You can be asked to work a lesser amount of hours as long as they don’t go below the minimum for the Agreement. You would receive the public holiday rate for the hours worked and normal pay for the remainder.

The workplace must adhere to your RTW plan. You should contact the SDA if they fail to comply.

You do not have to accept the decision made by WorkSafe or the Self-Insurer’s. If you wish to dispute a decision, you should contact the SDA for advice. Generally if you wish to dispute a decision, you must do so within 60 days of receiving the notice.

Yes you do, if you disagree with the decision and are wanting to take the matter further.

The SDA has a specialist industrial team that can assist you with Workcover matters and also attend the conciliation.

Conciliation is an informal procedure where you, the employer and WorkSafe get together to try to reach agreement over the dispute.

Yes, after speaking to the Workcover team at the SDA, you can get information or advice about a conciliation outcome or anything else connected with your Workcover claim.

You may be asked to attend a doctor’s appointment by the Insurer and you MUST comply with that request. Failure to attend could terminate your claim.

Yes they do. They need to take family responsibilities into account.

Yes.

You can volunteer to work on a public holiday but your employer can choose to not have you work. If you are a full-time or part-time employee and a public holiday falls on a day that is part of your permanent hours, you should be paid for the day at your base rate of pay if you are asked not to work.