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In a major ruling by the Fair Work Commission, 5000 McDonald’s workers in South Australia have won the right to bargain together for an enterprise agreement.

The SDA – one of Australia’s largest unions – has won its Supported Bargaining Application Authorisation bid, requiring McDonald’s Franchises in South Australia to negotiate with their workforce and the Union.

This impacts over 5000 workers across 18 employers, operating 53 McDonald’s restaurants in South Australia.

McDonald’s is the largest fast food chain in the country. Since 2020, it has only provided its workers with the minimum pay and entitlements required in the fast food sector.

This case was about bringing the largest and most profitable fast-food chain in the world, back to the negotiating table and requiring them to give their workforce a say.

This is the result of the Supported Bargaining laws introduced by the Albanese Government, designed to help low-paid workers – with clearly identifiable common interests – access bargaining.

McDonald’s was the first employer to fight back against these laws – contesting that their franchises don’t share common interests.

At the bargaining table, the SDA will be seeking to lock in above-Award wage increases, higher rates of pay at 18 years old and predictable hours amongst other improvements.

Quotes attributable to SDA SA Secretary Josh Peak:
“This is a landmark win for low-paid fast food workers in Australia.”
“The fast-food industry has the highest proportion of award-reliant workers in the country, these workers deserve to be covered by Enterprise Agreements”
“For the first time in six years, this will give Maccas workers the power to have a say on their wages and workplace entitlements.”
“This decision sends a clear message: Corporate America can no longer deny their low-paid Australian workers the right to bargain.”
“This ruling confirms something that was always obvious – that McDonald’s stores share common interests and workers should be able to bargain together.

National Media Contact: Jim Middleton – 0418 627 066
SA Media Contact: Milly Schultz-Boylen – 0458 790 006