Retail workers need better wages and a genuine living wage.
How does the SDA help to secure your pay rises?
Every year the SDA and Australian Unions argue for fair and decent pay rises in the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review.
Retail & fast food workers deserve better wages in 2025 and a genuine living wage.
A living wage doesn’t mean just getting by – a living wage means you can comfortably provide for yourself and your family and also enjoy a decent life outside of work.
The SDA and Australian Unions have also filed submissions calling for the Fair Work Commission to pass on a fair and decent pay rise in the 2025 Annual Wage Review.
The SDA runs strong campaigns to lift wages because SDA members are essential workers who deserve pay rises that keep up with the cost of living.
While unions push for your wages to go up, many employer groups argue to delay pay rises or only have minimal pay rises.
When it comes to the Annual Wage Review, these employer groups will push back against reasonable pay rises.
That’s why we run a strong campaign to secure pay rises for SDA members across the country. Retail, warehousing and fast food workers deserve to be recognised for their hard work and their wages shouldn’t fall behind.
Over the last few years, the SDA’s advocacy in the Fair Work Commission has helped to deliver important pay rises:
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2024: 3.75%
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2023: 5.75%
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2022: 4.6%
These pay rises don’t fall from the sky – and they’re not given by the government. They are won by union members who understand the importance of fair pay and regular pay rises to relieve the financial pressure of rising cost of living.
Without continued campaigning from the SDA and SDA members, employer lobby groups will continue to call for minimal or no increases at all. We need to make sure that does not happen.
Wages are starting to grow again under the Labor Government - don't risk wages falling backwards again this election
Under the current Labor Government, wages have finally started grow again after a decade of stagnant wages under the previous Liberal Government.
This trend must continue – SDA members can’t afford for their wages to go backwards again.
The Labor Government has consistently supported pay rises for working people. Their support includes making strong submissions to the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review arguing to lift wages.
In April 2025, the current Labor Government made another submission to the 2025 Annual Wage Review calling for an above inflation pay rise for workers.
The Liberal Party did not make a submission to this year’s Annual Wage Review and have not called for an above inflation wage increase for Australian retail, warehouse and fast food workers.
Compare wage growth between Labor and Liberal governments
We need workers to help us talk about the rising cost of living. Can you help?
We’re looking for SDA members who can support our campaign for better wages and a genuine living wage.
If you’re interest in helping us with photos or filming for social media or talking to media or journalists about how important a pay rise is for you – leave us your details below.
