Quotes from Bernie Smith, National Vice President and NSW Secretary the SDA the union for retail, fast food, warehouse and online retail workers.
“David Jones has today announced the closure of up to 19 stores.
“Whilst no final time frame for closures has been announced some will be before the end of this year.
“This announcement is disappointing for SDA members at David Jones and their families.
“Many members have given a large part of their working lives to David Jones and have served the company with loyalty and pride.
“They have continued to work diligently and efficiently with customer needs their absolute priority.
“Today these workers are receiving this terrible news through no fault of their own.
“This is particularly stressful with Christmas approaching.
“SDA’s priority remains the future of the workers affected.
“The SDA will be pushing David Jones and the Receivers to retain jobs and to explore options to keep as many members in work as possible.
“David Jones has obligations to consult with workers about major workplace changes and we will use that process, and all other avenues available to us, to protect as many jobs as possible.
“The SDA is already in contact with other retailers to ask them to find as many jobs as possible for these highly qualified and experienced retail workers.
“SDA will make sure David Jones workers receive every entitlement they are owed and we will do everything we can to ensure all redundant workers receive their full financial and legal entitlements.
“We have confirmed that super entitlements are up to date, thanks to the Albanese government’s recent legislation to guarantee super is paid every pay day, not in arrears.
“The SDA will be represented at the scheduled meeting of creditors with the administrators and receivers on November 17th and will be stressing their responsibility to ensure all DJs workers’ entitlements
“The SDA especially reminds all customers to treat all DJs staff with respect, and compassion at this most difficult time for all of them – those who will remain as well as those who might lose their jobs.
“To repeat, the welfare, wellbeing and future security of all DJs staff is the SDA’s absolute priority and we will work with the administrators and receivers and the entire retail industry towards that end.”
Contact: Jim Middleton 0418 627066