Who is getting a pay rise from 1 July this year?
Thanks to the union movement, wages will go up from 1 July 2025. The SDA’s strong advocacy in the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review helped to secure better wages in 2025 through an above inflation pay rise.
How much is the pay rise for retail, fast food and pharmacy workers?
A 3.5% wage increase will apply to all awards and the minimum wage. It will also apply to any SDA-negotiated Agreements that are linked to this Annual Wage Review decision.
Who will receive this pay rise?
Workers covered by an Award, such as the General Retail Industry Award or the Fast Food Industry Award. Workers covered by an SDA-negotiated Agreement (EBA) specific to your employer such as the Coles Agreement or Woolworths Agreement that is linked the Annual Wage Review decision.
All SDA members will be kept up to date with any changes to their pay directly by us. If you’re an SDA Member you can log into our Members Area to view your current rates of pay anytime.
When will the pay rise start?
The pay rise will take effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2025 so the exact date will vary depending on your pay period at your work. You should notice a difference on your next payslip in the weeks following 1 July.
What else is changing on 1 July?
There are two key improvements to superannuation that start on 1 July 2025 too.
- Superannuation Guarantee Increase: the Superannuation Guarantee is going up from 11.5% to 12%. This means the employer contributions that your employer is required to make into your super will increase. And more money towards your retirement savings!
- Super on Government Paid Parental Leave: superannuation payments will now be paid on Government Paid Parental Leave payments direct to your fund at the end of the financial year. This is an important step to ensuring women do not miss out on super while they’re on parental leave from work to care for a child.
How did unions help to secure this pay rise?
Being an SDA union member means you care about your pay and conditions at work.
We understand that retail, warehouse and fast food workers deserve a genuine living wage and that includes fair and decent pay rises.
Each year the Fair Work Commission holds the Annual Wage Review. They review Australia’s current economic climate and submissions from unions, employer lobby groups and other organisations.
Unions, including the SDA, make comprehensive submissions asking to lift wages so that your voice is heard in the Commission.
On the other hand, employer lobby groups generally argue for small increases or sometimes no increases at all. For example, in 2025 unions called for a 4.5% pay rise but some employer lobby groups only called for a 2.5% pay rise.
Our advocacy does make a difference to secure a wage increase every year.
That’s why being a union member is important – so we can make sure you’re represented in the Fair Work Commission and to win better wages.
If you’re not a member, read about SDA union membership benefits here – www.sda.au/why-join.
