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, shop floor representation when a problem arises, and legal representation for underpayments, unfair dismissals and workers compensation.
The SDA can negotiate your wages and conditions with your employer and in Awards so that you don’t have to. We can provide workplace information and support if you have a problem at work. If things get serious, the SDA provides free legal representation for unfair dismissals, underpayments and workers compensation.
Any worker working in the retail, fast food, warehousing, hair and beauty, and modelling industries can join the SDA.
If you’re not a member, we can’t help you. If you have a pre-existing issue when you join, we are unable to help you with that particular issue. However, we will be able to help you with all workplace issues that arise after you’ve joined the SDA.
Joining the SDA is important even if you get along well with your employer. You never know what may happen to you in the course of your employment – your employer may change or you might get injured at work. The SDA protects you at work no matter what happens and has a wealth of information about your work rights and your pay and conditions.
Yes, you can join the SDA and have full access to all the benefits of union membership even if there are no other union members in your workplace.
No. You have a right to be a union member and that right is protected under General Protections provisions of the Fair Work Act. You do not need to disclose your union membership to your employer unless you wish to.
Yes. Union membership provides a range of benefits no matter how long you’re in the job for, including crucial information about your pay and conditions.
No. You do not have to tell your employer that you are a member of the union unless you wish to.
No. You have a right to be a union member and that right is protected under General Protections provisions of the Fair Work Act. You do not need to disclose your union membership to your employer unless you wish to.
Workers who are not members of the SDA do not receive the advice, support and representation of the union when things go wrong at work. As a member of the SDA, you’re never alone at work. The more members we have, the better outcomes we can achieve to improve your wages and working conditions.
The SDA provides free accident insurance of up to $47,000 for accidents outside of the work to members who join online as direct debit members.
If you change jobs you can easily update your details online in the Members Area of our website or call to let us know on 8139 1000.
If you would like to resign your membership, send an email in writing to ask@sda.com.au
You can choose to pay fortnightly via direct debit from your bank account or your credit card. Member fees are calculated according to the amount of hours you expect to work (inclusive of GST):
You can choose to pay fortnightly via direct debit from your bank account or your credit card.
Your member fees are 100% tax deductible. At the end of the financial year when you file your tax return, you can claim your membership fees as a deduction.
You can change your payment method by contacting the SDA on 8139 1000.
There are a range of extra benefits for SDA Members. This includes a Frequent Values membership each year for all members as part of Entertainment Book.
You receive discount coupons for take-away restaurants, restaurants, leisure activities, travel, hotels and accommodation all year round.
The SDA also holds free movie nights and free family fun days across South Australia, the Northern Territory and Broken Hill each year for SDA members.
The SDA runs several competitions through the year, including tickets to Clipsal 500 V8 car race and the Royal Adelaide Show.
The SDA sends out regular Members News Magazines throughout the year free for SDA members.
The SDA keeps members informed regularly about their wages and conditions and updated with important industrial information.
To become a workplace delegate or health and safety rep, register your interest online on our website or speak to your SDA Union Organiser.
A Delegate is a shop floor worker trained by the SDA to assist members at their workplace. Delegates are the vital link between SDA members on the shop floor and the SDA. Delegates keep SDA members informed about important workplace issues and assist SDA members to resolve concerns at a store level.
Responsibilities and benefits of being a Workplace Delegate include:
SDA Health & Safety Reps are normal workers who make the workplace safer for their fellow workers.
Trained Health & Safety Reps ensure the highest standards of workplace health and safety are maintained and they’re ready to take up any safety issues with employers and follow a process to resolve them.
All Health & Safety Reps are entitled to paid training of up to 5 days each year.
It’s an important and rewarding role, and your workmates will appreciate the effort you put into it.
Call the SDA to talk to an SDA Case Manager. They will help work out the amount of your underpayment and will take the issue up with your employer on your behalf.
Your employer should not cut your shifts because you’re pregnant. Call the SDA to speak to an SDA Case Manager about your rights at work when you’re pregnant. They will help you work out how to approach the issue with your employer and can attend any meetings with you.
The SDA provides free legal representation for unfair dismissals. Talk to an SDA Lawyer about how you can lodge an unfair dismissal claim.
All workers have a right to work in a safe environment free from bullying and harassment. You should tell the person bullying you that you are not comfortable with their behaviour. If the bullying or harassment continues, you should report it to your manager, keep records of all incidents and contact the SDA for help.
Bullying impacts on all workers in the workplace. You should report all incidents of bullying to your manager. The SDA can help with this process by providing advice and representation.
If you’re injured at work, you should tell your manager immediately and follow these steps:
You should report a workplace hazard to your manager immediately and then follow your workplace health and safety guides. For more information about reporting hazard, contact the SDA.