Great News! Christmas Eve has now been officially legislated as a part-day public holiday from 6pm until midnight. It is now law and is importantly in place for Christmas 2019, so all Queensland workers and their families can enjoy the benefits of the Christmas Eve public holiday as soon as possible.

This great win comes after over two years of campaigning by SDA State Secretary, Chris Gazenbeek and the team, fighting to achieve this part-day public holiday in the interests of SDA members.

All SDA members will now have the opportunity to enjoy Christmas Eve as they wish. Whether it is to rest, attend church services, spend time with family or friends or travel to see family on Christmas day, this time will be invaluable. It will also give Queensland workers the opportunity to earn penalty rates if they choose to work during this period.

Although many retail stores now close at 6pm, many SDA members still missed out on spending Christmas Eve with their family, including retail nightfill staff, fast food and warehouse workers on afternoon and night shifts.

Our members in retail, warehousing and fast food and many employees work extremely hard at very unsociable times to provide a seven-day-a-week service to the public and deserve time to celebrate with their family and friends.

The SDA applauds the Palaszczuk government’s decision to support working families and providing an opportunity for an improved work life balance at a very busy and important time of the year.

The SDA hopes this great news will make a difference to you this Christmas, and you are able to enjoy your Christmas Eve with family and friends – thanks to the SDA.

If you have any questions, please speak to your SDA Shop Steward or Delegate, SDA Organiser or call the office on 07 3833 9500.

This is just another great UNION WIN for SDA members so share the good news and start planning your Christmas Eve! If you or someone you know are working in retail, fast food or warehousing – encourage them to join the SDA at www.sdaq.asn.au/join to support great wins such as this in the future.