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1. What is the SDA? The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (Queensland Branch) had its origins in 1889 when sixteen drapers formed the "Early Closing Association". At the turn of the century the Association was operating under the title of the "Shop Assistants’ Union". Since then it has grown to be the largest union in Australia. We cover a wide range of industries; retail and distribution, pharmacy assistants, fast food workers, clerks, storepeople, warehouse employees, and of course, shop assistants. The SDA is a union that promotes the interests and defends the rights of employees in the retail and fast food industries. We act on behalf of our members to protect and improve wages and conditions of employment, as well as providing many other services. 2. Why should I join the SDA?
Strength and Efficiency - The SDA is a strong, efficient and progressive union that effectively represents its members. It is staffed by dedicated officials experienced in dealing with management at the highest levels. Support - By joining a union, gain strength and support when negotiating with employers. Improvements in wages and conditions come only because the SDA advocates for such with employers and in political arenas. All improvements are hard fought for and won by the SDA. As all retail employees benefit by the SDA’s activities it is only fair that everyone be a Union member and contribute. Protection – The SDA protects its members against threats to their jobs, such as unfair dismissal, victimisation, sexual harassment, discrimination and intimidation. The SDA also ensures that members are receiving the entitlements that the Union has won for them. The Specialists – The SDA provides staff to visit workplaces, and employs specialists in workers' compensation, occupational health and safety, women's issues and industrial relations in order to maintain services to members. 3. Do I get a say? We greatly appreciate your input as a member of the SDA. Our role is to act on behalf of our members, so the feedback you give us is very important. Organisers make regular visits to worksites to discuss issues with members and place Union material on staff room noticeboards. Many of our enterprise agreements also provide for 15 or 30 minute Union meetings on paid company time. One of the most effective ways of getting involved and having a say is to become a Shop Steward, elected by your work mates to represent them. 4. Who are the Shop Stewards? They are people who: To give the best service to its members the SDA needs shop stewards in all areas to take up issues with employers on behalf of our members. A shop steward will receive training on issues related to the Union and its members. We supply a shop steward with a copy of the relevant award or agreement, a handbook on how to approach various issues, and other printed material the SDA produces. As well as this, a shop steward is regularly contacted by the Union Organiser and receives updates in the mail. 5. Is Membership Transferable? The answer is not straightforward. The transfer of membership depends on where you are transferring from and to which store you are working at. The following scenarios should answer this question, but you should always ask your pay office to make sure that your fees are being passed on to the SDA. Transferring from one store to another, within the same Company, within Queensland It would normally be expected that your membership details would be passed from one store to another in this case. Your staff file would also be transferred. This should include the Authority To Deduct (fees) form that allows your new Pay Officer to commence fee deduction at that store. However, you should always check to make sure that this occurs. This sometimes gets 'lost' in the transfer process. Transferring from one Company to another Company In this case, your membership ceases from the last pay you received from your previous employer. You need to complete a new application form (available from your Pay Office or from the SDA Notice Board or SDA Shop Steward). The new application form will be sent to our office and you will receive a new membership card showing the change in employer details. Your new employer will receive your Authority To Deduct (fees) and will commence weekly payroll deductions. Transferring from Interstate If you move interstate you must re-apply for membership at your new store even if the same Company employs you. The issue in this case is the union ... not your employer. Although the SDA is a National Association, each Branch of the SDA operates as a separate entity. The Rules of each Branch require that members complete an application form relevant to that State. |
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