We are extremely disappointed with the South East Queensland trading hours decision that was handed down Friday, 14 October 2016 by the full bench of the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission. This decision now allows non-exempt shops to trade from 7:00am until 9:00pm Monday through to Saturday in affected trading districts.
The SDA surveyed our members extensively on this matter and it was based on these results that we vigorously opposed this application with supportive witness evidence. Unfortunately, the full bench of the QLD Industrial Relations Commission granted approval for these trading hours to occur from 1 December 2016.

What We Know:

  •  That 54% of Queenslanders reject an extension to retail trading hours as revealed in a an October 2016 ReachTEL poll.
  • That the extension of trading hours simply extends the convenience of when people can shop and does not generate additional spending.
  • There is no reliable evidence to suggest that extended retail trading hours increases employment across the industry.
  • That SDA members (the people who work these hours) don’t want to see an extension of retail trading hours.
  • That retail workers deserve the dignity of quality work/life balance.

The Government has commenced a review of retail trading hours in the State of Queensland and an issues paper was released 17 October 2016. The SDA will be making a detailed submission as part of this review to defend and protect our members and to ensure they receive the work life balance that many other employees in other industries are afforded.

Click here to read SDA QLD’s submission to the trading hours review.

If you are pressured to work these additional hours please contact the SDA on 0738339500 or via email here.