The SDA is a union that promotes the interests and defends the rights of employees in the retail, retail distribution 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. The SDA in Queensland had its origins in 1889 when 16 drapers formed the ‘Early Closing Association’.

In the early 1900’s, the SDA was operating under the title of the ‘Shop Assistants Union’. Since then, it has grown to be the largest union in Australia. займ 10000 на карту We cover a wide range of industries from retail and distribution, to pharmacy assistants, fast food workers, clerks, petrol station attendants, store people, warehouse employees, and of course, shop assistants.

Our History

The SDA has been active in Queensland since 1889 when a group of 16 draper assistants met in Brisbane to discuss the formation of an ‘Early Closing Association’.

In 1908, unions representing retail workers in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia joined together to become the Shop Assistants and Warehouse Employees Federation – today called the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA).

Over time, unions in Tasmania, Newcastle and Western Australia became part of the national union.

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

Throughout the years, the SDA has won important conditions such as the 40 hour week and then the 38 hour week, equal pay for women, four weeks annual leave and 17.5% leave loading, workers’ compensation benefits and one of the greatest achievements – occupational superannuation.

The SDA also led the campaign for paid maternity leave and workplace health and safety and is always at the forefront of protecting members from unscrupulous management.

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

With such an emphasis on the rights of its members, it’s no wonder the SDA has grown to become Australia’s largest union covering every aspect of the retail industry.

Our Team

Justin Power

Secretary/Treasurer

Justin worked at his local General Store every afternoon after school, and then worked at Myer Pacific Fair during…

Justin Power

Secretary/Treasurer

Justin worked at his local General Store every afternoon after school, and then worked at Myer Pacific Fair during…

Tony Stapleton

Assistant to the Secretary

Tony started work at Bi-Lo at Stafford while he was at high school and university, and when given the…

Darryn Gaffy

Industrial Officers

Stephanie Purton

Industrial Officers

Naomi McQuire

Organising Staff (Northern Gold Coast)

Madonna Wilson

Recruitment Staff (Central Queensland)

Mili Utia

Warehouse Organising Staff (Warehouse)

Matt Littleboy

Workplace Health and Safety Officer

David Wagner

Recruitment Coordinator

Sue Moore

Recruitment Staff

Kate McKindley

Business Manager

Daniel Ferguson

Organising Staff (Warehouses) / Digital Organiser

Justin Bergin

Organising Staff (Southern Sunshine Coast)

Reginia Tufuga

 

Laura Leo

Industrial Officers

Andrew Sapieja

Organising Staff

Steve O’Neil

Organising Staff (warehouse)

Liz Berry

Organising Staff (Ipswich and Western Suburbs)

Semone Pfingst

Organising Staff (Burnett and Widebay)

Caleb Lacey

Recruitment Staff