Pay rises don’t fall from the sky. Unions and union members win them together.
Through the Annual Wage Review and workplace negotiations, the SDA advocates for higher wages and a genuine living wage for Coles workers and all retail workers.
Join Now – It only takes a few minutes
As an SDA member, you have support at work, access to advice and representation, and a collective voice working for better wages and conditions.
How Coles workers win pay rises
The Annual Wage Review
Each year, the Fair Work Commission reviews award and minimum wages through the Annual Wage Review.
This process determines what the base pay rates for Coles workers should increase by from 1 July.
This year, we are backing the Australian Council of Trade Unions’ call for a 6% increase.
The SDA’s role
The SDA prepares and lodges a submission to the Fair Work Commission, arguing the case for higher wages and a genuine living wage for Coles workers and all retail workers.
We present evidence about the cost of living and the realities workers face on the shop floor.
The SDA also supports the Australian Council of Trade Unions who make a submission on behalf of unions from different industries across Australia.
The Coles Agreement
The SDA negotiates the Coles Agreement, which sets pay and conditions for Coles workers.
This Agreement delivers higher wages than the Retail Award, as well as important workplace conditions like breaks and penalty rates and protections around hours and rostering.
As part of the Coles Agreement, workers also receive a pay rise each year in line with the Annual Wage Review.
What workers have won
Through the Annual Wage Review, workers have secured important pay rises in recent years:
2023 – 5.75%
2024 – 3.75%
2025 – 3.5%
Pay rises don’t just happen. They are won when workers stand together through their union.
How pay rises for Coles workers are decided
Each year, wages across the retail industry are reviewed through a process called the Annual Wage Review.
The decision is made by the Fair Work Commission, Australia’s independent workplace tribunal. Any increase determined by the review flows through to retail wages from 1 July.
Coles workers are covered by the Coles Agreement, which is negotiated by the SDA and provides pay rates and conditions above the Retail Award. This means Coles workers have higher rates of pay and better conditions because of the SDA-negotiated Agreement.
Under the Agreement, the Annual Wage Review increase is applied each year to ensure Coles workers receive pay rises in line with the national wage decision.
Unions like the SDA prepare detailed submissions arguing the case for higher wages and a genuine living wage for retail workers.
These submissions include evidence about the cost of living and the realities workers face on the shop floor.
Large employer groups and retail industry lobby organisations also make submissions.
They often argue for smaller increases to keep wages low.
In 2026, many employer lobby groups are calling for increases that are below the current rate of inflation – which isn’t a real pay rise.
State and federal governments can make submissions outlining their views on wages and the economy.
The Federal Labor Government have made a submission calling for a real pay rise for workers in 2026.
After reviewing all submissions, evidence and economic data, the Fair Work Commission decides whether wages should increase and by how much.
This decision is usually made in late May or early June and any pay rise takes effect from 1 July.
Experiences from Coles workers help demonstrate the real pressures of retail work.
When workers speak up together through their union, it strengthens the case for better wages across the industry.
200,000 workers stand together through the SDA
Retail workers have won significant pay rises in recent years
The SDA represents Coles workers in the Annual Wage Review and in negotiations with the Company
Workers’ voices strengthen the case for better wages
But the benefits of membership don’t stop there…
- Advice and support about your pay and workplace rights
- Representation when issues arise at work
- Help with roster, pay, or workplace concerns
- Member news, resources, and updates
- Discounts and member benefits
Quick signup. Flexible membership. Support when you need it.
Start enjoying the pay, protection and benefits of an SDA membership today.