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SDA Membership

Frequently asked questions about SDA union membership. Have a more urgent question? Contact us.

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.

Read more about the SDA

The SDA advocates for better pay and conditions for workers and defends these rights at all levels.

The SDA’s core business is to negotiate your wages and conditions by negotiating with your employer and pushing for better rights at the Fair Work Commission.

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.

Read more about what we do

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

Not a member? Join today

The SDA is a member-based organisation which requires that workers seeking advice and assistance from the union are financial members of the SDA.

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.

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. All workers have the right to be a union member. Joining your union is a fundamental workplace right and is protected under the Fair Work Act.

You do not need to disclose your union membership to your employer unless you wish to.

No. You do not have to tell your employer that you are a member of the union unless you wish to.

When you’re an SDA member, you have access to important workplace information, advice and representation.

You can read about some of the issues we help with on the Your Rights page.

You can apply to join the SDA online here.

Workers can also join by speaking to their local SDA Organiser or contacting their local SDA Branch on 1300 SDA HELP (1300 732 4357).

See membership benefits

You can choose to pay 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):

Hours worked per weekCost per week
0-9 hours per week$4.50
10-19 hours per week$8.05
20+ hours per week$11.30

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.

Members can send of a notice of resignation to their local Branch Secretary.

Resignations take effect, 2 weeks after the notice is received, or a later date that is contained in the notice, or for members who have ceased working in the industry, on the day the notice is received.

Member benefits and services

While the SDA’s main business is improving your wages and conditions, we also offer members a range of exclusive services and benefits.

These include:

  • Health and safety services
  • Legal representation
  • Representation in disciplinary meetings or investigations with management
  • Free confidential advice on any workplace issues
  • Shop floor representation
  • Exclusive discounts & benefits for members

View the benefits of becoming an SDA member

Yes, SDA Member Rewards is a fully digital benefits package and offers you endless rewards and savings from Australia’s leading brands and products – accessible anywhere, anytime, from any device. It is exclusive to SDA members.

Members can enjoy discounts and savings on:

  • eGift Cards for a range of popular retailers, services and more
  • Online Offers including discount codes and cashbacks
  • A range of household appliances, homewares, electronics and games which can be purchased direct through the eWallet and delivered to your home.
  • Travel packages and restaurants

If you are a current SDA member and can’t log in to the members’ area, call our Member Hotline on 1300 SDA HELP (1300 732 4357).

Still have a question? Contact the SDA for workplace advice and assistance.