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 Woolworths and all retail workers.
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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 Woolworths 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 Woolies workers should increase by from 1 July.
This year, we are backing the Australian Council of Trade Unions’ call for a 5% 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 Woolies 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 Woolworths Agreement
The SDA negotiates the Woolworths Agreement, which sets pay and conditions for Woolworths 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 Woolworths 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 Woolworths 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.
Woolworths workers are covered by the Woolworths Agreement, which is negotiated by the SDA and provides pay rates and conditions above the Retail Award. This means Woolworths workers have higher rates of pay and better conditions because of the SDA-negotiated Woolworths Agreement.
Under the Agreement, the Annual Wage Review increase is applied each year to ensure Woolworths 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 Woolworths 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 Woolworths 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.
What people are saying about their SDA Membership
“Over the past few years, I’ve had around 3-4 pay rises I may not have received if it weren’t for SDA.”
“Being able to voice any concerns and to be able to ask questions about anything regarding the workplace is great. The Union rep comes into the workplace so you can have the opportunity to speak with them.”
“I have found that any SDA union representative that I’ve spoken to seemed to genuinely care about what I had to say. It makes you feel heard.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Membership fees start from just $4.80 per week (tax deductible) based on your hours worked.
| Hours worked per week | Cost per week |
|---|---|
| 0-9 hours per week | $4.80 |
| 10-19 hours per week | $8.60 |
| 20+ hours per week | $12.10 |
Absolutely, SDA supports all workers, including casuals, part-timers, full-timers, and salaried managers in retail, fast food and warehousing.
You can join the SDA in just a few minutes by clicking here and completing the online form. You can also speak to an SDA organiser in store to join.
Yes, membership is flexible, you can cancel any time. Remember, if you’re not a member, we can’t help you. Most members keep their membership because they get real value and protection.
Think of SDA membership like insurance – you hope you never need it, but you’ll be glad you have it when you do. We support all existing members with workplace issues, legal representation and advice.
If you’re not a member, we can’t help you if a problem does come up at work.
Being an SDA member is one of the best ways you can improve your pay and conditions at work because we negotiate wages, entitlements and important rights and protections for you.
Start enjoying the pay, protection and benefits of an SDA membership today.