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A union is an organisation of workers who join together to achieve common workplace goals through collective bargaining. A union represents workers in a particular industry by negotiating for job security, fair pay and better working conditions. A union provides members with workplace information, support and advice, shop floor representation when a problem arises, and legal representation for underpayments, unfair dismissals and workers compensation.
The SDA can negotiate your wages and conditions with your employer and in Awards so that you don’t have to. We can provide workplace information and support if you have a problem at work. If things get serious, the SDA provides free legal representation for unfair dismissals, underpayments and workers compensation.
Any worker working in the retail, warehousing, fast food, pharmacy, hair & beauty, or modelling industries can join the SDA.
You can apply to join the SDA online here. Workers can also join by speaking to their local SDA Organiser or contacting their local SDA Branch.
When you’re an SDA member, you have access to important workplace information, advice and representation.
If you’re not a member, we can’t help you. If you have a pre-existing issue when you join, we are unable to help you with that particular issue. However, we will be able to help you with all workplace issues that arise after you’ve joined the SDA.
Joining the SDA is important, even if you get along well with your employer. SDA members stand up and help us fight for better pay and conditions.
Being a member means you’re protected at work. If something goes wrong at work, the SDA is always on your side.
You never know what may happen to you in the course of your employment – your employer may change or you might get injured at work. The SDA protects you at work no matter what happens and has a wealth of information about your work rights and your pay and conditions.
Yes, you can join the SDA and have full access to all the benefits of union membership even if there are no other union members in your workplace.
No. All workers have the right to be a union member.
Joining your union is a fundamental workplace right and is protected under the Fair Work Act. You don’t need your employer’s permission to join your union.
It is illegal for them to stop you from joining or force you to cancel your membership.
Yes. Union membership provides a range of benefits no matter how long you’re in the job for, including crucial information about your pay and conditions.
No. You do not have to tell your employer that you are a member of the union unless you wish to.
No. You have a right to be a union member and that right is protected under General Protections provisions of the Fair Work Act. You do not need to disclose your union membership to your employer unless you wish to.
Workers who are not members of the SDA do not receive the advice, support and representation of the union when things go wrong at work. As a member of the SDA, you’re never alone at work. The more members we have, the better outcomes we can achieve to improve your wages and working conditions.
If you change jobs you can easily update your details online through the member portal, or call to let us know on (03) 9698 1400.
You can contact us via our details below:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 03 9698 1400 or 1800 133 048
Website: www.sda.au/vic
Address: Level 3, 65 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank, VIC 3006
Member fees are calculated according to the amount of hours you expect to work (inclusive of GST):
| Hours worked per week | Cost per week |
|---|---|
| Less than 10 | $4.80 |
| 10-20 | $8.60 |
| 20+ | $12.10 |
Your member fees are 100% tax deductible. At the end of the financial year when you file your tax return, you can claim your membership fees as a deduction.
You can choose to pay via direct debit from your bank account or your credit card.
Depending on your workplace, you may be eligible to elect to have your fees deducted from your pay each week.
Your member fees are 100% tax deductible. At the end of the financial year when you file your tax return, you can claim your membership fees as a deduction.
You can change your payment method online via the member portal or by contacting the SDA on (03) 9698 1400.
While the SDA’s main business is improving your wages and conditions, we also offer members a range of exclusive services and benefits.
These include:
Yes, SDA members have access to Union Shopper, a 100% union-owned fully digital benefits service that offers discounts from Australia’s leading brands and products – accessible anywhere, anytime, from any device.
Members can enjoy discounts and savings on:
As part of your SDA membership, we offer you cover if you are in an accident outside of work.
The scheme applies to accidents caused by violent, external, and visible means that occur outside of work hours. SDA members under the age of 80 are covered worldwide*, no matter where the accident occurs.
If you’re injured in an accident outside of work, contact the SDA as soon as possible. Claims should be submitted within 30 days of the incident. We’ll guide you through the process and help ensure everything is in order.
Read more about our free accident insurance
*Conditions apply. Refer to the full policy for details.
Feeling unsafe at work isn’t normal. Your employer is required by law to take all reasonable measures to keep you safe.
It doesn’t matter how big or small it might seem, if there’s a hazard in your workplace, your employer must be taking steps to prevent or eliminate it.
Contact us via email or phone to let us know about your safety concerns.
SDA Delegates play a vital role in the workplace. They work alongside SDA Organisers and advocate for the best interests of workers, represent workers in meetings and stand up for workers’ rights.
Being a Delegate is a voluntary position and all new Delegates receive paid training to provide them with the skills and resources to represent workers.
Being an SDA Delegate involves:
A Health & Safety Representative (HSR) is a worker elected by their coworkers to represent their interests on health and safety matters. It is a vital role in the workplace, and is a voluntary position with a 3-year term.
Health & Safety Representatives have powers that allow them to ensure the safety of your workplace is maintained, including:
To become a workplace Delegate or Health & Safety Rep, speak to your SDA Union Organiser or contact us at [email protected] or call (03) 9698 1400.