Our store was told we couldn’t join the union

Crew members at a fast food franchise were coerced and intimidated into altering their employment status and forced to resign their union membership.

Being a member of your union is a fundamental workplace right and it is protected by the Fair Work Act 2009. This is called freedom of association.

These crew members did not need their employer’s permission to join the SDA. They should never have been forced to cancel their SDA membership.

After the workers approached the SDA about this, we were able to look into the issue and take legal action.

On behalf of 22 current and former workers, the SDA lodged an Adverse Action claim in the Federal Court.

As a result of the SDA’s legal action, the franchisee admitted to illegal anti-union activities.

This employer was then forced to pay $275,000 in fines and legal costs to workers and the SDA.

If you are having any issues joining the SDA, get in touch.

If you are being discouraged from joining your union or if you have been asked to cancel your SDA membership – you should contact us immediately.

Contact your local SDA Branch