What is the Big W Enterprise Bargaining Agreement?
Big W workers are covered by the Big W Stores Enterprise Agreement 2023. This is a legally binding document and your employer must comply with the provisions outlined in the Agreement.
The Big W Agreement sets out all of your pay and conditions at work. It is specific to Big W workers only.
The current Big W Agreement commenced on 20 May 2024. The nominal expiry date is 1 October 2027.
The SDA Union negotiates with Big W on your behalf to secure improved pay and conditions in your agreement. It contains important entitlements and rights, for example:
- Big W Rates of pay
- Big W Pay rises
- Big W Rostering rights
- Big W Breaks
- Big W Penalty rates
- Big W Overtime
- Big W Leave provisions
Generally, a new agreement is negotiated every 3-4 years.
What breaks should I be getting at Big W?
You have a right to take breaks at work and it’s important that all Big W workers are receiving the correct rest and meal breaks. Big W EBA details your entitlement to unpaid meal breaks and paid rest breaks. Rest breaks, also known as ‘tea breaks’, are paid, short pauses that allow you to recharge before continuing your shift. Meal breaks are longer, unpaid periods of rest during your workday that provide an opportunity to have a meal.
Your Big W breaks can be found below:
| Hours worked | Paid rest break | Unpaid meal break |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 4 hours | No rest break | No meal break |
| 4 hours and up to 5 hours | 1 x 15 minutes | No meal break |
| More than 5 hours but less than 7 hours | 1 x 15 minutes | 1 x 60 minutes (or 30 minutes by agreement) |
| 7 hours and up to 10 hours | 2 x 15 minutes | 1 x 60 minutes (or 30 minutes by agreement) |
| More than 10 hours | 2 x 15 minutes | 2 x 60 minutes (or 30 minutes by agreement) |
Learn more about your rights when it comes to breaks
What are my penalty rates at Big W?
Penalty rates are higher rates of pay you earn for working outside the ordinary hours. Penalty rates can apply to late evenings and early mornings, weekends and public holidays.
Penalty rates are so important for Big W workers as they compensate you for working unsociable hours – it’s crucial that you are being paid correctly.
Your Big W penalty rates can be found below:
| Days of the week | Hours | Full time and part time | Casual (inclusive of casual loading) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 7:00am to 6:00pm | Base rate of pay | Base rate of pay + 25% |
| Monday to Friday | 6:00pm to 11:00pm | Base rate of pay + 25% | Base rate of pay + 50% |
| Saturday | 7:00am to 11:00pm | Base rate of pay + 25% | Base rate of pay + 50% |
| Monday to Saturday | 11:00pm to 7:00am | First 3 hours per day: Base rate + 50% Additional hours in this span over 3 hours per day: Base rate + 100% | First 3 hours per day: Base rate + 75% Additional hours in this span over 3 hours per day: Base rate + 125% |
| Sunday | Midnight to 9.00am | Base rate of pay + 100% | Base rate of pay + 125% |
| Sunday | 9:00am to 11:00pm | Base rate of pay + 50% | Base rate of pay + 75% |
| Sunday | 11:00pm to midnight | Base rate of pay + 100% | Base rate of pay + 125% |
| Public Holiday | Base rate + 125% | Base rate + 150% |
What are my pay rates at Big W?
SDA Union members can access personalised wage rates specific to your workplace in our Members Area.
If you want to find out your rates of pay at Big W, click on the button below
Not an SDA Union member? Read more about the benefits here
What is the union for Big W Workers?
The SDA is the union for the retail industry and Big W workers. We advocate for better wages, fair working conditions, safer workplaces and the protection of your workplace rights.
Being an SDA Union member at Big W means you are protected at work. If you have an issue at work including underpayments, rostering, breaks or any workplace problem the SDA Union has your back.
How can you have a say about your EBA Agreement?
During the negotiations for a new agreement, SDA Union asks Big W employees about what’s important to you at work and any changes you’d like to see in your new EBA. You can have your say by taking our Big W EBA survey online or in store or by talking to your SDA Union Delegate or Organiser.
Your feedback helps to form the Log of Claims, which is what the SDA Union takes to negotiate with the company. That’s why it’s important to have your say – so we can push for improvements to your pay, conditions and entitlements.
Once negotiations are complete, the proposed agreement is put to a vote. Generally, you can participate in voting through a verified and independent third party online, or via phone.
Join over 200,000 SDA union members
Download the Big W Stores Enterprise Agreement 2023
SDA Union members have exclusive access to our members only area which includes personalised rates of pay and detailed information about your specific agreement.
If you’re an SDA member, you can access this now.
Not an SDA Union member? Read more about the benefits here
Resources for SDA Union members
Being an SDA Union member means you receive access to important information about your pay and conditions at Big W.
We can help SDA Union members at Big W to understand their rights at work.
As the union for Big W workers we also work hard to keep you informed about any proposed changes to your entitlements including:
- During negotiations for a new agreement
- Before voting on a new agreement
- Changes to workplace legislation
Whether it’s your roster, breaks or what penalty rates apply – the SDA Union can provide you with information, support and advice that’s specific to Big W.
SDA members can access important resources and information that’s specific to your workplace.