“When I first entered the workplace I didn’t think that I would end up in a situation where I would need help or support from a union. However, with the encouragement of the store Union Rep, I did eventually decide to join the SDA, still with the mind-set that nothing bad would happen.

Fast forward a few years and I found myself injured at work. It was an extremely daunting experience to deal with all the parties involved in a workplace injury and having an approachable store Union Rep (an unpaid volunteer) who was very willing and able to help, made it much easier. Together with the assistance of my store Union Rep and also the Union Organiser, I was able to navigate the stressful situation with knowledge and support I would otherwise not had. I would highly recommend all retail workers join the SDA as you never know when you will need advice or someone to talk to about what your rights and responsibilities are as a worker.

I would like to say thank you to all the SDA workers who assisted me during my time of employment in the retail industry, especially in the recent past”.
Sophie Beutel – Retail Assistant

Sophie Beutel pictured with her Union Representative and SDA Organiser, Nikolai Martinovic

“After a particularly busy day, I read Sophie’s story. I immediately smiled. I’m so glad she joined the union as it was an investment in her future. Sophie has a wonderful Shop Steward in her store that encouraged her to join the SDA. We invest heavily in our Union Reps because we know that our members greatly benefit when we have trained and committed Reps in their workplace.
Good luck with your future Sophie”.
Chris Gazenbeek, SDA State Secretary