The SDA is fighting to win millions of workers a real pay rise from July 1, including many retail, fast food and warehouse workers.
On Tuesday June 3, the Fair Work Commission is announcing its Annual Wage Review decision.
Each year, the Fair Work Commission reviews the minimum and award wages in a process called the Annual Wage Review.
This process determines the pay rate for millions of workers from July 1 including many retail, fast food and warehousing workers.
The percentage increase decided by the Fair Work Commission applies to the pay rates in the Awards, and has a flow-on effect to many SDA-negotiated Agreements.
The SDA plays a major role in advocating for better pay.
Each year, unions, employer groups and sometimes the federal government make submissions to the Fair Work Commission about what percentage increase should apply to the Award and minimum wages.
With inflation now steady and sitting at 2.4%, your wages must stay above inflation to ensure you can cover bills, provide for yourself, and enjoy your life outside of work.
While the SDA always advocates for strong and real pay rises, not all groups support our calls.
Who supports strong pay rises?
In 2025, the SDA, the ACTU (Australian Council of Trade Unions) and the Federal Government are supporting real pay rises.
The SDA is calling for a 4.5% wage increase and a living wage for Australian workers. These calls are supported by the ACTU.
A living wage doesn’t mean just getting by – it means you can comfortably provide for yourself and your family and also enjoy a decent life outside of work.
Over 5,000 SDA Members have told us why they need a strong pay rise this year. Here’s why we’re calling for a real pay rise for our members:
- Cost of living continues to place serious financial strain on workers – 94% agree that the rising cost of living is putting pressure on their household budget
- To improve your access to secure housing – whether it’s getting into the housing market or rental accessibility
- To ensure your pay reflects the skills, workload and expectations required to do your job
The Federal Labor Government is formally calling for above-inflation pay increases in its Annual Wage Review submission.
Who doesn’t support strong pay rises?
While we’re pushing for a strong pay rise, employer groups and bosses are calling for a minimal pay increase or a cut to your pay in real terms.
- The Australian Restaurant and Café Association is calling for a below-inflation 2% increase.
- The Retailers Associations are calling for a 2.5% pay increase – which is only just above inflation
A low wage increase won’t provide Australians with the financial security they need to live comfortably. It won’t help alleviate cost of living pressures or help local businesses either.
When working people earn more, it also helps our local economies, our local businesses, and our communities. That’s why the SDA supports real pay rises each year.
Do you support our call to lift millions of workers’ wages?
Along with fair pay rises, the SDA also advocates safer workplaces, better conditions and fairness for all workers.