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The SDA has branches in every state and territory in Australia, so wherever you are, you can count on us to represent you and be there to help when you need it.
The Shop, Distributive & Allied Employees’ Association (SDA) is one of Australia’s largest trade unions representing retail, fast food and warehouse workers.
As a union and registered employee organisation under the Fair Work Act 2009, the SDA is not-for-profit organisation funded only by members, for members.
The SDA is governed by the rules of the Association and our audited accounts are published annually and are made freely available to all members.
In 1908, unions representing retail workers in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia joined together to become Federally registered as the Shop Assistants’ and Warehouse Employees’ Federation of Australia. Over time, state unions in Tasmania, Newcastle and Western Australia became part of the national union too.
In 1972 the union changed its name to the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association.
As a result of the union’s hard work and dedication since the 1890’s, SDA members are among the highest paid retail, fast food and warehouse workers in the world today.
The SDA has stood side by side with the nation’s retail workers as the industry revolutionised into its modern-day form, having endured historical events from the Great Depression to World Wars and then transformed in the 60s with the advent of American-style shopping centres, multinational companies and extended trading hours.
The SDA has led the campaign for paid parental leave and workplace health and safety and is always at the forefront of protecting workers from unfair dismissal, termination and redundancy.
The Union will always support campaigns that promote sensible and progressive rights for ordinary Australian workers.
Over 200,000 SDA union members standing together across Australia.
More than $7 million dollars recovered in claims and compensation for SDA members in 2024 alone.
A strong and united voice for retail, fast food & warehousing workers for over 130 years.
Join over 200,000 SDA union members