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About the union

The SDA represents members nationally and in local Branches in every state and territory in Australia. So wherever you are, you can count us to represent you and be there to help when you need it.

The Shop, Distributive & Allied Employees’ Association (SDA) is one of Australia’s largest unions representing retail, fast food and warehouse workers.

For over 130 years we have been at the forefront of protecting and improving your rights at work.

The SDA represents unions members across Australia and we work hard to ensure your voice is heard from the national workplace legislation level to your specific workplace pay and conditions.

Our history

In 1908, unions representing retail workers in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia joined together to become Federally registered as the Shop Assistants’ and Warehouse Employees’ Federation of Australia.  Over time, state unions in Tasmania, Newcastle and Western Australia became part of the national union too.

In 1972 the union changed its name to the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association.

As a result of the union’s hard work and dedication since the 1890’s, SDA members are among the highest paid retail, fast food and warehouse workers in the world today.

The SDA has stood side by side with the nation’s retail workers as the industry revolutionised into its modern-day form, having endured historical events from the Great Depression to World Wars and then transformed in the 60s with the advent of American-style shopping centres, multinational companies and extended trading hours.

 

 

A black and white banner that says 8 hours labour 8 hours recreation 8 hours rest.

 

The cover of The Shop Assistant Magazine from March 1987.The front cover of the SDA's National Women's Policy from 1979.

Our achievements

Throughout the years, the SDA has won historic improvements for members including:
  • introduction of the five-day week
  • establishment of the 38-hour week
  • equal pay for women
  • introduction of parental leave
  • protecting public holidays
  • introduction of annual leave, personal leave plus family and domestic violence leave
  • and one of the greatest achievements of all – universal superannuation

 

Today the SDA remains committed to representing the best interest of its members by:

  • Advocating for fair wages and working conditions
  • Promoting workplace health and safety
  • Pushing back against unfair workplace agreements and practices
  • Supporting policies that benefit all Australian workers

The SDA has lead the campaign for paid parental leave and workplace health and safety and is always at the forefront of protecting workers from unfair dismissal, termination and redundancy.

The SDA will always support campaigns that promote sensible and progressive rights for ordinary Australian workers.

The SDA is member focussed and will be front and centre if the right to a “fair go” of any of its members is challenged.

Read more about SDA membership

Our impact

Over 200,000 SDA union members standing together across Australia.

More than $7 million dollars recovered in claims and compensation for SDA members in 2024 alone.

A strong and united voice for retail, fast food & warehousing workers for over 130 years.

Watch what we can achieve together

SDA Union members gathered at a rally in SA, carrying blue and white SDA flags with slogans such as 'at work with you'

Join over 200,000 SDA union members

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