SDA takes Woolworths to Fair Work Commission over restructuring plans

The SDA has lodged a dispute in the Fair Work Commission against Woolworths over its plans to restructure its store management structure, a move that may lead to redundancies across its stores nation-wide.

The SDA opposes this decision and is here to protect all workers’ pay, conditions and jobs.

SDA National Secretary Gerard Dwyer said the union has had no input into the major supermarkets plans to restructure employment roles and has lodged a dispute on several issues important to Woolworths workers.

“We’re extremely disappointed that Woolworths has undertaken a restructure of this magnitude and in such a timeframe. The SDA has had no input into the design or implementation of this far reaching restructure process.”

“As a result, the SDA has today lodged a dispute against Woolworths with the Fair Work Commission challenging whether the company is undertaking genuine redundancies and whether the timeframe provided to staff is reasonable.”

“It is certainly the unions view that the timeframe being provided to Woolworths workers is too short to allow them to properly consider all options in such confronting circumstances and we’ll be raising this issue before the Commission.”

Mr Dwyer said the union was already working closely with Woolworths workers through this process and would continue to represent their interests and to provide support.

“Woolworths workers, many of whom have loyally served the company for 10 or 20 years are understandably very upset by this announcement.”

“We want them to know that the SDA stands with them during this extremely difficult time and will be fighting hard to protect their interests.”

Woolworths workers must be consulted about any changes to their conditions of employment and cannot be forced or pressured to make a decision.

The SDA is here to offer advice and support to all SDA members during this uncertain time. If you are affected by this change, please call the SDA on 8139 1000.