'Cause Magazine - December 2021

’

YOUR VOICE MATTERS

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SHOP, DISTRIBUTIVE AND ALLIED EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION, NEWCASTLE & NORTHERN I DECEMBER 2021 I DIGITAL EDITION

‘tis the season to smile!

THE UNION FOR WORKERS IN RETAIL.FAST FOOD. WAREHOUSING.

GETTING THE WORK AND CARE BALANCE RIGHT The two-year (and counting) coronavirus pandemic has caused massive upheaval in the lives of all our SDA members.

But a special SDA Report: Who Cares? A Fair Share of Work

BY BARBARA NEBART, BRANCH SECRETARY

and Care, launched in October, highlights fundamental reasons as to why work and life balance is so unnecessarily out of kilter for many of our members.

The Report’s major finding is that there is a lack of the stable and predictable working conditions which are needed to provide care to children and adults, and to manage work and family commitments.

The SDA has recognised for some time that insecurity over work hours, rosters and job status have all been major issues, and the Union is fighting hard to address these.

This breakthrough report by the University of NSW goes so much further in exploring the reason why the work and care balance is broken.

What has helped is that an incredible 6,469 of you, our SDA members, responded to the survey. You told the researchers your stories which allowed them to see the full extent of the problems faced so that solutions can be crafted.

BIG CHANGES The SDA is now armed with findings that clearly show big changes need to be made to Australia’s industrial relations settings, the policies of workplaces, and to our childcare system to make caring and working easier for employees.

The way work is organised puts enormous emotional and economic pressure on members who need to organise work and family, and find time to care. Even SDA members who have worked for many years with one employer often have working conditions which involve short, fluctuating hours and precarious shifts. This impacts on their ability to care for their loved ones – their children, and often elderly or disabled relatives.

The Report also found that SDA members accounted for more than double the Australian average of people who care for an older person or person with disability.

See pages 20-23 for more information on this far-reaching Report.

HELP THE REGIONS Another important piece of SDA research has identified that much more needs to be done for regional workers by both the Federal and NSW Governments.

As our Branch is the only completely regional SDA Branch in the country, this report is particularly relevant to our members.

The SDA-member survey identified what is required in order to provide more security and a better life for regional members.

The three main concerns for members were:

 Housing affordability  The cost of living  Access to services such as healthcare and childcare

2 ’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

The SDA believes Governments need to focus on: u Helping

to provide a thriving retail sector

u Accessible

services where they’re needed

u Affordable

housing

SHOP, DISTRIBUTIVE AND ALLIED EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION, SDA NEWCASTLE & NORTHERN BRANCH

Policies need to be put in place to ensure these regional communities are

WWW.SDAN.ORG.AU PHONE 1300 SDA HELP (1300 732 4357)

made stronger than they were prior to COVID-19, rather than just going

POSTAL ADDRESS:

back to pre-pandemic times.

PO Box 2211, Dangar NSW 2309

u Fair

wages with secure jobs

See pages 16-17 for more information on the State of the Regions.

SECURE JOBS In 2019, for the first time, permanent full-time workers made up less than 50% of the Australian Workforce. More than 25% of workers are now casuals

EMAIL ADDRESS: secretary@sdan.org.au ‘CAUSE Published by the Shop Assistants and Warehouse Employees’ Federation of

in insecure work, with no access to sick leave or annual leave.

Australia, Newcastle and Northern NSW.

The SDA wants you to get involved in the Secure Jobs campaign. (See

Editor: Barbara Nebart

pages 10-11)

UNION OFFICIALS

We will be campaigning on the issues around insecure work, and asking

President:

Mr G Luxton

people to consider these issues when it comes to voting at the Federal

Vice Presidents:

Ms K Brown

Ms R McGuire

Election next year.

EVERYONE SMILE!

Secretary/Treasurer: Barbara Nebart Assistant Secretary: David Bliss

While the SDA is happy with the momentum of the No One Deserves a

Industrial Officers:

Brendon Lott

Serve campaign, there is still more to be done.

Zak Holgate

The SDA stands committed to ensuring that any bad behavior directed at

Director of Organising: Anne Charlton

our members is not accepted at all.

ORGANISERS:

You will see a saturation of an important message in shopping centres,

Lyn Wiebe, Debra Dunning,

on transport, and in the media: No one deserves a serve, but everyone

Susan Sneesby, Liam Burrows,

deserves a smile!

YOU’RE ALL HEROES I want to personally recognise the extraordinary efforts of all retail, fast food and warehouse workers over the last two years.

Leighton Smith RECRUITMENT OFFICERS: Belinda Urquhart, Michael Owen, Belinda Stapleton, Scott Harrison, Karla Gunther

You were among the first groups thrust onto the frontlines. And you will

INFORMATION OFFICERS:

now be forever regarded as essential.

Isobel Carr, Georgia Coombs

When most of the public was in lockdown for their safety, you were always

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICERS:

there, fronting up to work every day to make sure the rest of us continued

Peta Bereczky, Shaun Dyas

to have necessities.

COMMITTEE:

Please read our special tribute to you – our hero members – on pages 4-5

R Simmons (Woolworths)

– and take it as a citation from the SDA for bravery and service way beyond

E Frost (Coles)

the call of duty!

J Crotty (Woolworths)

We wish you all a safe and merry Christmas and a prosperous and Covid-free New Year. You’ve certainly earned it!

L Farrell (Coles) T Coggan (Bunnings) C Morris (McDonald’s)

’CAUSE DECEMBER 2020 3 2021 3

SDA PEOPLE

CHEERS TO OUR ESSENTIAL WORKERS!

BY BARBARA NEBART, BRANCH SECRETARY

The challenge of the pandemic should never be underestimated.

It has been a challenging time for

When vast swathes of the general public were in lockdown for their own safety, you were continually there, fronting up to work every day to make sure the rest of us continued to have the necessities we needed.

For others though, especially within our smaller retail stores, work stopped completely, and a great deal of angst and uncertainty was felt by workers who suddenly became unsure of the future and their job security.

SDA 10 Point Safety Plan. This Plan was endorsed by health officials and became the standard across the retail industry.

The beginning of the pandemic saw irrational panic buying across multiple Australian jurisdictions.

Essential retail and supermarket workers were exposed to unprecedented levels of customer abuse and aggression.

The SDA members who were affected by shutdowns were patient and understanding, despite the extraordinary circumstances.

According to the National Retail Association’s report into the health and wellbeing of retail workers, some retailers were reporting up to a 400 per cent increase in aggression and abuse.

The SDA and the Australian union movement, led by the ACTU, responded quickly with a call for a wage subsidy for all ‘stood down’ workers, and stronger health and safety protections for those working on the frontline.

The SDA worked hard to make workplaces as safe as possible but would not have been able to implement measures effectively or efficiently without the commitment shown by members, Delegates and Organisers.

It is also important to recognise the role of health and safety representatives (HSRs) in stores who helped to uphold and maintain the new standards, and kept their working environments safe for both workers and customers.

of the few groups thrust onto the

The Federal Government was slow to respond, but the pressure from unions and business ultimately saw the roll out of JobKeeper. It was not a perfect scheme, but it was critical in supporting millions of Australian workers and thousands of businesses.

frontlines. Consumers could choose

LIFTING SAFETY STANDARDS

whether to shop online or in person,

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on health and safety in retail workplaces saw the development and adoption of the

everyone, but not least you, our essential workers.

As millions of Australians have emerged from lockdowns – for what we hope will be the last time – and restrictions ease across the country, the SDA would like to recognise the extraordinary efforts of retail, fast food and warehouse workers over the last two years.

When the outbreak began, many SDA members were deemed essential and were expected to continue working, despite the unsettling situation unfolding in Australia and around the world.

Supermarket and other essential retail workers stepped up and were one

but essential retail workers had no choice but to turn up for work and serve the Australian community.

4 ’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

It wasn’t just the work carried out under extreme conditions in store by SDA members that was outstanding – the participation of SDA members in a range of campaigns was critical in delivering real change.

! u o y k Than

WHAT THE SDA AND SDA MEMBERS ACHIEVED IN 2020/21

SDA members helped secure the JobKeeper wage subsidy for workers and businesses impacted by coronavirus.

10 Point Health & Safety Plans were introduced across the industries of SDA members and made workplaces safer for everyone.

New measures, like plexiglass screens and social distance markers, helped keep workers safe from the virus and from aggressive and violent customers.

The SDA secured: Recognition payments across a wide range of companies in 2020 including: Woolworths Supermarkets

u

Big W

u

BWS

u

Dan Murphy’s

u

Coles Group brands (Supermarkets, Liquor and Coles Express)

u

Officeworks

u

Bunnings Warehouse

u

Reject Shop

u

IKEA

u

and others

u

Paid pandemic leave in multiple companies; Paid vaccination leave in multiple companies;

Pay rises ahead of the 2020 and 2021 Annual Wage Review dates; Priority access to vaccines in the areas most affected by Covid; SDA online campaigns, which received over 60,000 individual responses;

After years of lobbying Governments, from 1 July 2022, the $450 per month eligibility threshold for superannuation will be scrapped.

GREAT SUPPORT FROM MEMBERS The member support for SDA campaigns went much further than completing online petitions.

We had members show their support with posters and photo ops, wearing the No One Deserves A Serve under-badges, and sharing SDA social media posts in our ongoing campaign against customer abuse.

We also had many SDA members share their personal stories and provide important evidence of their experiences as essential frontline workers throughout 2020 and 2021.

DOING IT TOUGH Many of you worked in stores that became COVID-19 exposure sites and hotspots, and I can’t begin to imagine the fear and anxiety that this would have caused you, not knowing whether you had caught the virus and anxiously awaiting test results.

SDA PEOPLE

All of this was happening when many of you also had the added strain of home schooling your children. As if the stress of working wasn’t enough, you had to play parent, essential worker and teacher.

Some of you may have also noticed the recent Safety Demands Action week campaign around car park safety, and click and collect. This is just another way that we want to help you and make sure that you are safe and well looked after at work.

Members’ stories are powerful and integral to the work the Union undertakes on safety and wages.

The SDA extends a huge thank you to every member who has courageously told their story to advance the interests of their fellow members.

Australia is emerging from Covid but not without the memory of what our essential members were willing to endure to serve the community throughout this crisis – thank you for the work you have done and the work you continue to do.

It was you that kept this country moving during the pandemic, and you should look back on your achievements with pride. We have always realised how valuable and irreplaceable you are – and now the rest of the country does as well.

So, with that, we hope you have a Merry Christmas and a safe, happy and prosperous New Year.

’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

5

HEALTH AND SAFETY

6 ’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

HEALTH AND SAFETY

NO ONE DESERVES A SERVE BUT EVERYONE DESERVES A SMILE! If the customer has left the store, you can still report the behaviour.

BY BARBARA NEBART, BRANCH SECRETARY

The SDA’s No One Deserves A Serve campaign saw great momentum in 2020, that flowed into 2021 during the continued waves of lockdowns, compulsory masks, QR Code check-ins and the monitoring of vaccination statuses to enter stores.

The SDA stands committed to ensuring that bad behaviour directed at our members is not accepted in any form.

We face the same challenges as last year as we enter into our 2021 Christmas shopping season, coupled with a recent lift in lockdowns and changes to restrictions.

We remind our members that it is not your responsibility to police those entering stores.

We also ask you to ‘Report it, don’t support it’ by reporting all instances of abuse.

We are seeing an increase in authorities prosecuting or charging those who do display these unwelcome and unacceptable behaviours and being held accountable for their actions.

We continue to show the way to reduce customer abuse with: clear signage;

u

zero tolerance;

u

training of staff and managers;

u

public awareness; and

u

customers seeing retail workers for the family and community members they are.

u

The SDA’s No One Deserves a Serve campaign has proven to be working to change customers’ attitudes, but there is always more to be done.

You will see us this season saturating your shopping centres, public transport and media with this important message.

ESPECIALLY AT

CHRISTMAS! In fact, UNI-Global, the International Union Body for Retail Workers – that the SDA belongs to – recently adopted our campaign, and we saw the first-ever international No One Deserves A Serve Day on 17 November 2021. See our Facebook page for more information around this recognised day!

This Christmas, we remind shoppers: if the line is long or you can’t find what you’re looking for, keep your cool under that mask and remember what a tough year it has been for essential retail workers.

No one deserves a serve, but everyone deserves a smile.

You can see our Industry Statement on the opposite page.

On social media this Summer? Be nice. Not naughty.

While you’re lazing around and checking in with your friends this Summer, remember to be careful what you say on Facebook, Insta and other social media.

Comments on social media (including other people’s posts or pages) are regarded as public comments – they are not private.

Avoid negative comments about your company, your manager or other employees on social media.

Some members have come to us after “official warnings” or worse following unwise comments on social media.

It’s best not to mention your employer at all.

Be smart. When you’re at home, leave your work at work.

Enjoy your social media for your social life, not your work life.

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7

YOUR ENTITLEMENTS

2022 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND YOUR ENTITLEMENTS This holiday season (2021/22) accounts for three additional public holidays being declared.

BY BRENDON LOTT INDUSTRIAL OFFICER

These include the two days immediately following Boxing Day (Monday 27 December 2021 and Tuesday 28 December 2021), as well

Leading up to a public holiday, the SDA is usually inundated with calls from members seeking clarity regarding their public holiday entitlements and conditions.

The best resource relating to your public holiday entitlements is the Award or Agreement which covers you at work. You can view yours at any time by logging in to the SDA website: sdan.org.au/login It might seem daunting reading your Award or Agreement, however, they all have a table of contents which will tell you which page to find your public holiday entitlements on.

It is key to be able to turn to this document for clarity or education about what you are entitled to.

Your in-store Delegate may be able to assist you too.

Public holidays vary depending on the State or Territory you work in.

It’s important to know when public holidays are because employees have different entitlements on these days.

ADDITIONAL PUBLIC HOLIDAYS The Public Holidays Act 2010 provides that when New Year’s Day, Christmas Day or Boxing Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday there is to be an additional public holiday on the following Monday or Tuesday.

8 ’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

as Monday 3 January 2021. This is

Whether the employee is fulltime, part-time, casual or a shift worker; u How much notice the employee was given about working; and u The amount of notice the employee gives that they refuse to work. u

This occurs once again in the

When requesting that an employee work on a public holiday, employers need to consider all relevant circumstances, including the ones listed above.

2022/23 holiday period where

PLANNING AHEAD

due to Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day falling on either a Saturday or Sunday.

Christmas falls on a Sunday. An additional public holiday will fall on Tuesday 27 December 2022.

REQUESTING AND REFUSING TO WORK ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS Employees don’t have to work on a public holiday. However, an employer can ask an employee to work on a public holiday, if the request is reasonable. An employee may refuse a request to work if they have reasonable grounds.

The following needs to be considered when assessing if a request to refuse is reasonable: The employee’s personal

u

circumstances, (e.g. family responsibilities); Whether the employee will get

u

more pay (e.g. penalty rates); The needs of the workplace;

u

The type of work the employee

u

does; Whether the employee’s salary

u

includes work on a public holiday;

Often at these times of the year you’re planning annual leave, school holidays, religious and/or social activities etc.

For some members, public holidays are a great way to increase their income, while others like the opportunity to not work.

For employers, public holidays can be some of the busiest times and trading days of the year.

They should be organised, and so should you in advance as to your availability.

2021 has been a difficult year for many, however this Christmas period is a great planning opportunity for possible interstate travel, as well as international travel.

If there are public holidays that you would prefer to work, or not work this year and next year, make sure you address your availability and discuss any planned leave arrangements with your manager as soon as possible to avoid possible issues.

YOUR ENTITLEMENTS

2022

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN NSW (INCLUDING DECEMBER 2021 AND JANUARY 2023)

DATE

EVENT

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Saturday 25 December 2021

Christmas Day

Christmas Day remains a restricted shop trading day in NSW irrespective of the day on which the public holiday is declared.

Sunday 26 December 2021

Boxing Day

Boxing Day remains a restricted shop trading day in NSW irrespective of the day on which the public holiday is declared.

Monday 27 December 2021

Christmas Day Additional Holiday

This additional day is not a restricted trading day.

Tuesday 28 December 2021

Boxing Day Additional Holiday

This additional day is not a restricted trading day.

Saturday 1 January 2022

New Year’s Day

Monday 3 January 2022

New Year’s Day Additional Holiday

Wednesday 26 January 2022

Australia Day

Friday 15 April 2022

Good Friday

Good Friday is a public holiday and restricted shop trading day in NSW.

Saturday 16 April 2022

Easter Saturday

Easter Saturday is a public holiday, but not a restricted trading day in NSW.

Sunday 17 April 2022

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday is a public holiday and restricted shop trading day in NSW. Stores must close on this day unless they have been granted a restricted trading exemption.

Monday 18 April 2022

Easter Monday

Easter Monday is a public holiday, but not a restricted trading day in NSW.

Monday 25 April 2022

Anzac Day

Anzac Day is a restricted shop trading day in NSW until 1.00 pm. This means shops cannot open for customers until after this time.

Monday 13 June 2022

Queen’s Birthday

Monday 1 August 2022

Bank Holiday

Monday 3 October 2022

Labour Day

Sunday 25 December 2022

Christmas Day

Christmas Day remains a restricted shop trading day in NSW irrespective of the day on which the public holiday is declared.

Monday 26 December 2022

Boxing Day

Boxing Day remains a restricted shop trading day in NSW irrespective of the day on which the public holiday is declared.

Tuesday 27 December 2022

Christmas Day Additional Holiday

This additional day is not a restricted trading day.

Sunday 1 January 2023

New Year’s Day

Monday 2 January 2023

New Year's Day Additional Holiday

Applies to banks and certain financial institutions.

Note: There may be locality days or Union Picnic days (NSW) in addition to the above list of public holidays.

These days may not attract public holiday rates or conditions – refer to your specific Award or Agreement.

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9

SDA CAMPAIGNS

WE NEED TO TACKLE INSECURE EMPLOYMENT Australia used to be the envy of the world when it came to stable reliable jobs that you could plan and build your life around.

We now have one of the highest rates of precarious employment in the OECD.

AN EXPLOSION IN CASUAL WORK More than one 1 in 4 Australian workers are now casuals in insecure work, without access to sick leave or annual leave.

In 2019, for the first time, permanent full-time workers made up less than 50% of the workforce. The growth in casual work since May 2020 has been the fastest in our history, with 58% of all new jobs being designated as casual.

This has been a key driver of low wage growth. Insecure work also drives inequity for women, retirement incomes and young workers.

Millions of people cannot find enough work – if they can find a job at all.

Wage growth is at record lows and the gender-based pay gap is still stubbornly high.

IT AFFECTS ALL OF US We have also seen how insecure work with inadequate hours and training became a significant contributor to the spread of COVID-19 in workplaces over the last 18 months, with people working multiple jobs to make ends meet during the pandemic.

Many Australian workers across a vast number of industries, particularly parttimers and casuals, now have fewer rights and have seen their wages stagnate while the cost of living increases substantially. Compounding this, the inability to get enough hours is an all-too familiar story.

Wage theft is rampant, and some employers are shifting risk to workers, with excessive use of casual and fixed-term contracts, sham contracts, and gig work.

10 ’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

SDA CAMPAIGNS

Having access to secure work is connected to so many fundamental things like mental health, a healthy lifestyle, and life and family planning.

The absence of stable and secure employment also means that people have less money to spend in local businesses which affects the local economy.

In 2018, after persistent campaigning by unions including the SDA, the Fair Work Commission granted casuals the right to request a move into permanent employment when they have at least 12 months of continuous service and work a regular pattern of hours.

There is still much to be done to improve rights for casuals and to increase permanent hours for part-timers.

WE NEED TO FIX THIS

INSECURE WORK FACTS

In 2019, for the first time, permanent full-time workers made up less than 50% of the Australian workforce.

Increasing permanent part-time hours and improving casual conversion rights will be a key focus for the SDA as we seek to participate in the Secure Jobs campaign, and we encourage as many members as possible to get involved.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions will be working closely with unions, including the SDA, to ensure that the campaign message is embedded in workplaces and continues to spur people to think about how these issues affect them and those around them, including their families.

1 in 4 workers are now classified as casuals.

Australians expect their government to build an economy that works for everyone. Despite this, more and more Australians are in insecure work.

Like the Change The Rules campaign in 2019, we will seek to campaign on the issues around insecure work, encouraging people to consider these issues when they decide who they want to vote for at the next Federal Election.

The problems we are facing are a direct result of cuts to the rights of working people. Many workers have watched as good, secure jobs left their communities, only to be replaced with low-wage, precarious work – or no work at all.

Casual workers are three times more likely to have their pay set at minimum award rates than permanent full-time workers.

Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks and months about what you can do to get involved.

SECUREJOBS.ORG.AU

’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

11

YOU COULD WIN A SDA COMPETITIONS

$300

OFFICEWORKS GIFT CARD

COMPETITION When the New Year rolls around, and we start looking for ‘Back To School’ supplies, it can be particularly stressful trying to get together those extra funds after the holiday season.

The SDA Newcastle Branch would like to lighten the load for one lucky member!

We are holding a competition for you to win a $300 voucher for Officeworks.

Just click here to enter or, if you’re reading this as a hard copy, scan the QR code on this page.

ENTRIES CLOSE FRIDAY 14 JANUARY 2022.

Open to financial members only. Entrants need to submit the correct answer to the question on our website. The winner will be chosen at random and notified by email after the competition closes.

12 ’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

YOUR ENTITLEMENTS

UNIONS WIN WAGE RISE On 16 June 2021, the Annual Wage Review Decision was handed down.

This was unacceptable, so the

as they risked their health and

SDA pushed for every major retail

safety throughout the depths of

After months of campaigning, the SDA welcomed the Fair Work Commission’s decision to increase wages for Australia’s lowest-paid workers by 2.5 percent – a rise of $20.70 per week for retail employees.

employer to pay this increase

the pandemic to make sure the rest

and backpay it from 1 July to

of the community could buy food

and Beauty Award also incurred a

increases for all Australian workers.

An increase of this size, despite the precedent set in 2020 was achieved through the hard work of the union movement and union members across the country who deserved a fair and decent pay rise.

delay until 1 November.

Australians need their wages to

With the economic recovery

keep up with the rising cost of

outpacing official predictions, there

living so that we can spend money,

was no justification for delaying

stimulate the economy, and begin

the increase for retail employees

to remedy the economic damage

for two months at a time when

Unions had to contend with some business lobby groups who actively demanded a zero increase to the minimum wage as well as an apathetic Federal Government that provided no support to the millions of Australians who depend on the minimum wage to support themselves and their families.

sustained during the pandemic.

the retail sector was outpacing

Unfortunately, the Commission again unfairly decided to delay the increase for retail workers until 1 September this year.

beyond 1 July.

compensate the time lost.

The Fast Food and Pharmacy Awards received the increase on 1 July, while an increase to the Hair

financial forecasts.

In June, Gerard Dwyer, National Secretary of the SDA said: “With major retailers and supermarket chains recording record profits, there is simply no reason for delaying the increase “Another delay is no reward for

and the other essentials of life.”

There was no benefit to delaying important and necessary wage

The SDA was pleased with the decision by the following employers who paid the 2.5% increase to employees on 1 July: Woolworths Supermarkets

u

Big W

u

Dan Murphy’s

u

BWS

u

EG Fuels

essential frontline retail workers

u

who suffered a real wage cut

u

David Jones

YOUR SUPPORT HELPED WIN THE PAY RISE Thank you for supporting the SDA’s campaign for a pay rise for essential workers.

By supporting our campaign, you have helped deliver the 2.5% wage increase for millions of workers across the country – despite employer lobby groups doing their best to stop it.

Our essential pay rise petition had over 9.2k supporters and helped the SDA and Australian Unions demonstrate why essential workers deserve this pay rise.

This union win is a clear example of how important it is to stand together to campaign for better pay and conditions in your workplace

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13

SDA COMPETITIONS

ION T I T E P M CO LICATIONS APP RE NOW A

E N I L N O ONLY!

WIN MOVIE TICKETS!

40 lucky members will win an adults’ double pass to the movies at a Hoyts or Event cinema.

The first 40 applications will win.

TO ENTER Just click here or, if you’re reading this as a hard copy, scan the QR code on this page.

You must enter by 12 noon on Friday 28 January 2022 to be in the running to win one of the 40 double movie passes on offer!

The first 40 members drawn from the barrel will win.

Please nominate your preferred cinema chain on the online application form.

If no nomination is made, we will award a double pass to Hoyts.

Winners will be notified by mail. Entries are limited to one per member.

14 ’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

HEALTH AND SAFETY

A HOT TOPIC FOR SUMMER During the summer months, many SDA members may be faced with having to work in very hot environments.

The majority of problems that occur are related to transient heat, that is, heat which has the potential to increase the temperature of a building or other area.

HEALTH AND SAFETY EFFECTS Factors such as the type of work being undertaken, humidity, air temperature, sun penetration, clothing and air movement should always be taken into account when considering the health and safety risks associated with heat.

Heat and uncomfortable temperatures can have different effects on different people.

Working in hot conditions may result in health effects, ranging from mild discomfort and headaches to life-threatening problems.

aggravation of pre-existing

u

illnesses, e.g. heart disease;

An employer must ensure that: adequate ventilation and air

u

heat cramps (painful spasms in

movement is provided in indoor

u

one or more muscles);

environments that may become hot, and

heat exhaustion characterised

u

by weakness and fatigue,

appropriate work and rest regimes

u

vomiting, headaches

relative to the physical fitness,

and giddiness as well as

general health, medication

unconsciousness and, in some

taken and body weight of each

cases, death.

employee exposed to heat are

Working in hot conditions not

implemented.

only affects a person’s physical

Issues relating to transient heat in

health but can also affect a

the workplace, particularly over the

These more serious health conditions can generally be grouped together as the effects of heat stress.

person’s mental state, and often

summer months, must be addressed

contributes to stress levels.

immediately and resolved effectively.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

If you find yourself working in an

Your employer has a duty of care

uncomfortably hot situation, follow

Some of these effects are:

to provide you with a workplace

the grievance procedure contained

reduced ability to concentrate and therefore an increased risk of accidents;

that is safe and healthy,

in your Enterprise Agreement or

particularly in extreme conditions.

Award.

This extends to ensuring that heat

CONTACT YOUR UNION

increased discomfort in the use of protective clothing and equipment;

risks are identified, assessed and

For more information about heat

controlled within the workplace

or working in uncomfortable

when environmental conditions

temperatures, please speak to your

aggravation of the effects of other hazards, e.g. noise;

affect the health and safety of

Delegate or Organiser or contact

employees.

the SDA.

u

u

u

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15

A FAIR SHARE

STATE OF THE REGIONS affordable housing, secure employment and quality childcare and healthcare services.

BY BARBARA NEBART, BRANCH SECRETARY

The SDA’s State of the Regions report has given us a valuable glimpse into the life of Australia’s regional communities, which is particularly relevant for members in our Branch, as we are the only completely regional Branch of the SDA in the country.

Our survey focused on three different groups – an online member focus group, a separate online member survey and a survey of the general population.

Not only should you be able to get access to these, but the standard of these services should be comparable to those who live in the big cities and larger metropolitan areas.

Buying and renting property has been an issue across the country for years, but it is particularly felt by our members in regional and rural areas.

The influx of people from outside these areas who can now work remotely from home has only further increased the pressure on house and rental prices.

2. COST OF LIVING

After this extensive research, three main topics that concerned both our members and the general community were: housing affordability; the cost of living; and access to services such as childcare and healthcare.

Wage growth has been at record low levels in this country for decades and simply must improve so that people from regional and rural communities can prosper long after the effects of the pandemic are behind us.

1. HOUSING AFFORDABILITY

We should be aiming to make these communities stronger than they were prior to COVID-19, rather than just settling for the pre-pandemic situation.

It isn’t too much to ask that you, our members, are looked after properly by all levels of government to ensure that you can access

64%

of regional renters are concerned about housing affordability

16 ’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

3. ACCESS TO SERVICES Childcare was also raised as a significant issue by you, our members.

Over three-quarters of those surveyed believe that universal childcare is needed in these communities. This includes both those who have children, and those who do not. Three in four respondents who didn’t have children are still of the opinion that universal childcare is important to further strengthen and develop regional communities.

Unfortunately, the opposite is occurring, and the regions are being neglected.

A female member from a small country town in Queensland had this to say: “Our area is treated very badly by the Government, with very little money for anything in this area.”

WHAT IS THE ANSWER? Governments must come together to give people from regional areas a fighting chance to not only improve their own lives, but to also strengthen their communities.

The SDA believes the Government should focus on four main areas to make this happen.

I support local businesses whenever it is most sensible to do so; if I have a formal outing, I will buy clothes from a local retailer, or if I want quality food, I will shop at a local grocer.

–Female, country town

A FAIR SHARE

Buying from local retailers helps out the community, my small outback town thrives on this – otherwise small shops will continue to close their doors, and family-run businesses will go under, which would be such a shame!

– Male, country town

We need a thriving retail sector, accessible services where they are needed, fair and affordable housing and fair wages with secure jobs.

A thriving retail sector, supporting local jobs and development is crucial in keeping locals in jobs and these communities growing.

“The local economy depends on people buying locally. Keeping locals in jobs is the best way to keep the shops open and having a happy community,” said a member from a rural area.

Services need to be easy for locals to access, including healthcare, disability care and childcare.

Government must come together on all levels to make sure this is the case in the regions, otherwise disadvantage in these areas will only increase.

Fair wages and job security are crucial.

It is time for government at all levels to champion policies that encourage people to collectively bargain and even the playing field for workers in regional and rural communities.

Full-time and secure jobs with conditions are what gives workers the confidence to invest in their local communities.

This leads to them being able to afford the rising cost of living, potentially enter the housing market and be able to access the services we need to keep regional communities strong for many years to come.

Those of us lucky enough to live in these areas realise this, it is time for all levels of government to step up and realise it too.

There’s not enough permanent positions available in my area. Plenty of casual positions with no job security.

We already have a huge problem with the under 18s being unemployed, and probably the older Australians that are in that in-between age – too young to retire and too old to work.

– Female, country town

’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

17

AROUND THE SHOPS

orths

Helen and Janine at Woolw

Hamish, Olivi

s o One Deserve port for our ‘N p su g in ow Sh ry Jack’s aign at Hung A Serve’ camp

Anne and Scot

les Leonie at Co

18 ’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

a, Annie and

Debra at Coles

Brianna and Lorraine with Organiser Ly n at Coles

t in Gosford

Alison with O

rganiser Lyn at Woolwor ths

AROUND THE SHOPS

out and a bout with sda memb ers

Olivia and Storm at

BWS

Laura a t Woolw or t h s

g the shops Bell and Anne out visitin

Anne wit Scott and

h local Lab

or MP s

Lisa at Coles

Organisers Ly n and Michael at Dan Murphy’s

Anne and Liam sp eaking with politician Dr Gord on Reid

’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

19

BALANCING WORK + FAMILY

SDA REPORT

WHO CARES? A FAIR SHARE OF WORK AND CARE

BY BARBARA NEBART, BRANCH SECRETARY

This year, the SDA commissioned the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to survey SDA members on the challenges faced by workers and their families while they try to manage their employment and caring responsibilities.

In total, an incredible 6,469 SDA members completed the survey.

The final report Who Cares?

A Fair Share of Work and Care: Challenges of work, family and care for Australia’s retail, online retail, warehousing and fast food workers was launched in October (see the next pages for details of the launch).

A BALANCING ACT The relationship between work and care is important, as many SDA members make valuable contributions through the unpaid labour they provide as parents, and as carers, to children and adults in their families and communities.

Through the pandemic, retail, fast food and warehouse workers have also been recognised for their essential contributions to the community, as they continued to ensure that everyone had access to necessities.

20 ’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

Yet recognition of their essential work and the care they provide is not reflected in their employment conditions and support.

The report found that SDA members lack access to the stable and predictable working conditions needed to provide care to children and adults, and to manage work and family commitments.

THE FINDINGS It is clear that changes need to be made to industrial relations settings, the policies of workplaces and to Australia’s childcare system to make caring and working easier for SDA members and other Australian workers.

Many SDA members have contributed years – and sometime decades – of service to their employers, yet their working arrangements continue to be characterised by short, fluctuating hours, and precarious shifts. This impacts on mental health, constrains opportunities to provide care, limits opportunities for families to spend time together, and impacts on financial stability (making things like getting access to a mortgage difficult).

The data shows that: SDA members lack genuine choice in their working times and childcare arrangements and require better support structures, including access to childcare services that recognise their needs, to ensure they have meaningful opportunities to shape their working and caring lives.

u

Industrial relations settings

u

and employer practices limit the choices and opportunities available to SDA members. Rostering is too unpredictable, and changes so frequently that important caring responsibilities cannot adequately be met.

The way work is organised

u

exacerbates difficulties faced by workers who need to organise their work and family lives and find time for care. This impacts on SDA members providing care for the elderly, the disabled and children. Many SDA members cannot access early education for their children and have constrained opportunities to fully participate in other aspects of social and community life.

THE NUMBERS 55% of all participants said they regularly provide some form of care to another person, such as care to a child, grandchild, or to an older person, or a person with a disability or long-term health condition.

This includes 39% who provide care to a child or young person under 18 (either in or outside their household) and 30% of survey participants were parents with a child under 18.

BALANCING WORK + FAMILY

Challenges of work, family and care.

FOR AUSTRALIA’S RETAIL, ONLINE RETAIL, WAREHOUSING AND FAST FOOD WORKERS

Many SDA members work while providing care in challenging circumstances and a much higher proportion of SDA members do this than the general population (see table below).

My manager doesn’t care that l’m a single mother and that my girls have to hang around outside the school for 1 hour and 10 minutes for me to pick them up. She also didn’t care when she changed my roster and my daughters couldn’t see their psychologist any more... and she didn’t care that my girls had to give up their sports… This has affected mine and my girls’ mental health and it affects our daily lives. Our lives are very stressful because of my work hours and my girls suffer because they only have me and they always miss out, and my boss couldn’t care less.

– Sole mother, permanent part-time

It was hard to jump straight back into full-time work [while] juggling a sick baby. No sick leave entitlements… was hard. I was made to feel like I had to get straight back into it full force or they would find someone to replace me.

– Partnered mother of child with disability, permanent part-time

It shouldn’t be about working extra hours, it’s about the hourly rate.

42 hours per week to struggle paying bills!

– Sole father and carer of adult with disability, permanent full-time

WHERE TO FROM HERE? Reform is needed in the retail, fast food, and warehousing industries to improve members’ working arrangements, so that workers have more control over their working hours and have predictable shifts in order to organise care and other aspects of their lives.

The research provides the Union with clarity and a more detailed understanding of the different types of work and care arrangements among SDA members – this will inform the work the SDA does to provide support and enact change moving forward.

The SDA would like to thank each of the 6,469 respondents that contributed to the research for their time. You have provided the Union with the valuable information required to ensure SDA members’ diverse circumstances are recognised and can be used to shape reform.

I made sure [my hours] would work with my family by being completely transparent and upfront about my needs. It was perfect up until recent new management – now I’m constantly having to dispute my roster and my hours are getting cut because they can no longer work with my schedule. I feel like a burden, and I come home stressed out and exhausted.

– Partnered mother, casual

It is very hard to find childcare on the weekends, evening etc. For people like us who do shift work, it is stressful to get.

– Partnered father, permanent full-time

Care for an older person or person with disability.

Sole parents Parent of a child with a disability Young carers ( <25, provide regular care to elderly, person with disability)

AUSTRALIA (ABS)

SDA SURVEY PARTICIPANTS

11%

24%

14% of families

25% of parents

7.7% (children <15 with a disability)

16% (child <18 with a disability)

5.6%

13%

’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

21

BALANCING WORK + FAMILY

LAUNCHING THE REPORT On Tuesday 12 October 2021, the SDA launched our comprehensive report: Who Cares? A Fair Share of Work and Care: Challenges of work, family and care for Australia’s retail, online retail, warehousing and fast food workers.

The launch took place online and was attended by dozens of Australia’s most prominent MPs, Senators, journalists, academics, union officials and industry stakeholders.

A screening of a series of interviews with SDA members whose lives have been impacted by the lack of support they receive as carers was followed by a variety of speakers, including: Gerard Dwyer, SDA National Secretary; Julia Fox, SDA Assistant National Secretary; u Marise Payne, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women; u Tanya Plibersek, Federal Shadow Minister for Education and Women; u Sally McManus, Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions; u Kate Jenkins, Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner; u Jay Weatherill, CEO of Thrive by Five, former Premier of South Australia, and former Minister for Early Childhood Development in South Australia; u Paul Zahra, CEO of the Australian Retailers Association; and u Amanda Rishworth, Federal Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education and Shadow Minister for Youth. u

The key themes that emerged from this research are insufficient hours…the mismatch between working times and childcare availability… constant schedule changes…and seeing a great deal of repercussions and punishment that retail workers face including losing hours if they refuse shifts.

Julia Fox, SDA Assistant National Secretary

u

Perhaps the thing that I found unexpected was the interviews with the fathers who said they desperately wanted more time, particularly with newborn babies…they felt that they were missing out on time with their children and their ability to engage with their children’s activities.

Tanya Plibersek, Federal Shadow Minister for Education and Women

Some of what they had to say is reproduced on these pages.

To close the launch, Gerard Dwyer summarised the proposed next steps to effect real change, and announced a 2022 Care Summit, where the SDA will work with industry, legislators and academics – everyone with expertise and an interest in the issue of work and care. By bringing people together, we will get more answers and they will be highquality answers.

The SDA would like to thank everyone involved in this project and its launch for their contributions and commitment to helping solve the work and care issues impacting Australian workers and their families.

TO FIND OUT MORE, AND/OR TO READ THE FULL REPORT, GO TO NATIONAL.SDA.COM.AU/CARE/ OR JUST SCAN THIS QR CODE.

22 ’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

I think one of the key things in this report is...the importance of reliability of hours and rosters, and how essential that is to carers and parents.

We have the tools [technology to provide more suitable and productive rosters] as a society to make this happen – we just need the will to make it happen.

Sally McManus, Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions

BALANCING WORK + FAMILY

OUR MEMBERS’ THOUGHTS The findings do not reveal how the worlds of work and care interact for retail workers, but rather how those two worlds collide. Work and care are two essential human activities, but too many retail workers are forced to choose between one or the other – this stifles opportunities for their kids, reduces their earning opportunities and causes a level of anxiety that will shock you.

Gerard Dwyer, SDA National Secretary

I would encourage every employer…to really read this and really let it soak in, and to understand how the systems are working to cause such an impact on the most valuable people that work for you – from an employer point of view, take this evidence on board…most of this is within the hands of employers; you should be considering your systems, your structures and immediately looking at how you can change them because it will be good for business, as well as good for your workers.

Kate Jenkins, Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner

[They’re] exceptionally confronting to be honest and those testimonials are concerning…I’ve committed with Gerard and Julia to make sure that we work together because it’s a shared responsibility…It’s in all of our interests to solve these issues and I’m committed to do that, to work and collaborate with the SDA to solve these issues.

Paul Zahra, CEO of the Australian Retailers Association

The event commenced with the screening of a series of interviews with SDA members whose lives have been impacted by the lack of support they receive as carers.

Jo, a retail worker from Victoria, would love to have access to carer’s leave:

…it’d be absolutely awesome to have carer’s leave…to schedule a day off to take my parents to hospital, to specialists in Melbourne, or even just to take care of them at home for a day.

Andrea, a former retail worker from WA, and Myra, a supermarket worker from Victoria spoke about the guilt associated with asking for time off, whether it’s due to illness or the need to attend to important caring responsibilities.

“I always had this sense of guilt if I asked to take a day off…half the time I just bit it and went to work, my kids missed out a lot.”

The pressure from employers around rosters and work-life balance was discussed by Melissa, a supermarket worker from Queensland, who said:

It will be the needs of the business before family.

’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021 23

SDA COMPETITIONS

ITIONNS T E P M CO LICATIO APP RE NOW A ONLY!

FILL UP ON THE SDA!

E N I L N O

We’ve got five Woolworths/Caltex fuel vouchers, each worth $150, to give away!

Enter this competition, and you could win a tank (or two) of fuel on us!

TO ENTER Just click here or, if you’re reading this as a hard copy, scan the QR code on this page.

You must enter by 12 noon on Friday 28 January 2022 to have the chance to win one of the $150 fuel vouchers!

The first five entries drawn from the barrel will win. Winners will be notified by mail.

Entries are limited to one per member.

OUR WINNERS These members are going to the movies, courtesy of the SDA’s last movie ticket competition.

Congratulations!

Julie Wright Janelle Cooper Donna Burton Jason Edwards Samantha Jones Emellia Sexton Zoe Sexton Michelle Lee Helen Krstinovski Heather Garland Christine Otto Kelly Brown Kaleisha Brown

24 ’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

Marea Burns Lachlan Wild Lorraine Aspinall Sharon Ronson Raelene Pfahl Michelle Finch Margherita Cook Alicia Stone Sharon Gross Tahlee Hamilton Vicki Hofkamp Teara Zieleman Joshua Bollard Diana Titterton Andrew Clark Cheralee Steel Mya Newham

Benjamin Abbott Maureen Doyle Ella Scotman Karen Johnson Shanell Tant Karen Fouracre Susan Cant Maria Hall Dianne Ainsworth Cheryl Lucas

And these members will be filling up on us with a $150 fuel voucher: Janelle Cooper Odessa Mullin Angela Goulding Diana Titterton Debra Korn

WORKPLACE ISSUES

SOCIAL MEDIA AT WORK WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Many employers and employees are still grappling with the fine line between work and private lives when it comes to workers’ online presence.

Social media is here to stay, with many of us spending a large portion of the day monitoring what’s happening on our social networks.

Many people keep their phones within reach, constantly watching and waiting for tweets and posts from friends, colleagues and sometime strangers.

As the current generation — immersed in social media from early childhood — enters the workforce, new challenges will emerge for workers and their employers regarding the inherent risks involved with online use, while also embracing the benefits of this new technology.

IMPACTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES In this technological age, employers can keep a pretty close eye on their workers’ social media activity.

If they so desire, employers can easily screen prospective job applicants, or find out what their current staff are interested in and what they get up to at the weekend. This, of course, raises questions about whether your private life really is all that private anymore.

Many employers believe that social networks and their employees’ lives impact their brands by association, blurring the line between what

is private and confidential, and sometimes resulting in disciplinary action or dismissal.

What’s considered confidential is an increasingly grey area, given the potential for what a person says on their private network to be traced and reported. This was evident in a recent case involving an employee who was dismissed after he made disparaging comments on social media about his employer.

HOW ARE EMPLOYERS APPROACHING THE CHALLENGE? Some employers are holding social media training sessions to provide information about the workplace’s social media policies and confidentiality issues that may arise in this respect at work.

While setting standards by policies and training, employers also need to exercise some care and discretion about not imposing unreasonable or unrealistic standards upon employees about social media use.

While employers need to be robust, they need to be cautious not to unnecessarily seize on every potential social media infraction and run it down the disciplinary path, particularly termination.

All of the circumstances need to be weighed, including the gravity of the alleged comments and their connection with the workplace.

NEVER FULLY PRIVATE Employees need to understand that no information shared on social media is truly private.

Choosing only to utilise privacy settings on social media sites is not sufficient to completely protect privacy.

Employees need to be prudent about what they do on social media in connection with work, and be alert to content which may be frowned upon by their employer.

CONTINUING EVOLUTION The legal issue concerning social media and employment will continue to evolve as social media proliferates.

Employees are entitled to take whatever steps are available to protect their private lives from their employers, including maximising privacy settings on social media.

But they should also familiarise themselves with their employer’s confidentiality and social media policies, and being familiar with their employer’s policies also helps to prevent problems.

NEED HELP? Contact the SDA if you’ve run into trouble with your employer regarding something you’ve said on social media, or if you’ve got any questions about your rights and responsibilities.

’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021 25

HEALTH & SAFETY

What will the SDA do?

What can you do if you or someone you work with is sexually harassed?

Sexual harassment can be stopped If you have been sexually harassed at

The SDA is totally committed to eliminating sexual harassment from our members’ workplaces.

Sexual harassment is a serious form of sex discrimination, and

work or you witness someone being sexually harassed, you have a range of options to deal with this.

Write it down

REPORTING OF WORKPLACE SEXUAL HARASSMENT Only 13% of SDA members who have experienced workplace

a health and safety issue.

Write down incidents of sexual

The SDA treats complaints of

harassment as they happen. This will

five years made a formal report

sexual harassment seriously and

be useful if you decide to make a

or complaint in relation to the

sympathetically, and commits

complaint, particularly if the incident/s

to dealing with them promptly

occur over a period of time.

and confidentially.

You should capture the following

The SDA will ensure, to the

information:

extent we are able, that

l

complaints will be fully

that the resolution is just and equitable.

SPEAK OUT

anything relevant that happened

This can be your SDA Delegate,

before and after.

Health & Safety Representative or SDA

Where it took place.

l

Who was there and whether there

l

The SDA will also act to ensure

were witnesses (to the incident

that all steps are taken by

and/or anything that happened

employers to prevent further

before and after).

sexual harassment from

most recent incident.

The date of the incident, including

investigated by the employer in an impartial manner, and

sexual harassment in the last

What happened and what was said

l

occurring in the workplace.

by whom.

Why you believe that what was said

l

or done was sexual harassment.

How the incident made you feel.

Organiser, or you can contact the SDA for confidential advice and/or assistance.

Advice provided by the SDA is on a confidential basis, and the SDA will only act on your behalf in relation to a complaint if this is what you want and you authorise the Union to do so.

Make a report or complaint to your employer

Sexual harassment is unacceptable

l

You have a right to make a report or

Talk to the harasser

complaint if you have been sexually

If you feel comfortable and confident,

harassed at work. Your workplace

Employers, in consultation

you can approach the harasser and

will have a process in place for how

with the SDA, should develop,

tell them that their behaviour is

implement and monitor

unacceptable and unwanted, and ask

appropriate and effective

them to stop the behaviour.

sexual harassment policies,

Do not approach the harasser if you

procedures and preventative measures to ensure that sexual harassment is eliminated from our workplaces.

feel it could endanger your safety in any way.

Tell someone – get advice

to make a complaint or report. If you don’t feel comfortable or are unsure of how to make a complaint, the SDA can provide you with assistance with how to do this.

Make an external complaint Depending on the nature of the harassment, there is a range of

Don’t suffer in silence. If

If you are not comfortable talking to

external options for assistance. Please

someone you work with

the harasser, or if the behaviour is

contact the SDA for advice about

experiences sexual harassment,

of a criminal nature, or it continues,

the options available to you and to

call the SDA now. Let’s stop

speak to someone you trust at your

provide assistance throughout the

sexual harassment!

workplace about what is happening.

process.

26 ’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

HEALTH & SAFETY

What is sexual harassment?

inappropriate staring or leering

Even if you are not the target of

inappropriate physical contact

the sexual behaviour, you may also

insults or taunts based on gender

experience sexual harassment if you

l

l

l

Sexual harassment is any unwanted or unwelcome behaviour of a sexual

unwanted invitations to go out on

l

nature that may make a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated.

witness or are exposed to the sexual

or sexual preference dates or requests for sex sharing or communicating content of a sexual nature via text, email,

or visual and includes some of the

online, social media or other

following behaviours:

technology

sexually suggestive jokes or comments intrusive questions about a person’s

l

private life or body unwelcome touching, hugging,

l

cornering or kissing

to anyone, but the SDA’s surveys show that female members are much more likely to experience sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment can be perpetrated by anyone in your workplace, including

Sexual harassment at work is unlawful

a co-worker, more senior co-worker,

and some types of sexual harassment

supervisor or manager, or anyone else

may also be criminal offences. Sexual

who comes into your workplace such

harassment is also a work health and

as a customer or contractor.

safety issue.

PREVALENCE OF WORKPLACE SEXUAL HARASSMENT In the last five years, 39% of SDA

39%

Sexual harassment can happen

l

The behaviour can be physical, verbal

l

harassment of another person.

members said that they have been

SEXUAL HARASSMENT BY CUSTOMERS 21% of SDA members said they have been sexually harassed by a customer in their current job.

Customers were the harassers in 36% of workplace sexual

sexually harassed at work.

harassment cases.

Female SDA members (46%)

Of SDA members who had been sexually harassed by a

were more likely than their

customer:

male colleagues (29%) to have

u

75% had experienced this more than once.

experienced workplace harassment.

u

54% had experienced this in the previous six months.

SOURCE: EVERYONE’S BUSINESS: SURVEY ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF MEMBERS OF THE SDA 2019

’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021 27

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Q+A... with

YOUR INFORMATION OFFICERS GEORGIA AND ISOBEL Q: As a full-time team member, I am finding that I am struggling to juggle my home and work responsibilities concurrently.

I have recently returned to work after maternity leave, and would like to spend time at home with my daughter in her early, developmental stages. I am finding working full-time difficult to manage with all my new family commitments, and am struggling to have the energy to provide the best care for her while my husband is at work.

Are there any tools available to me to assist in

Both permanent and long-term casual employees with continuous service over 12 months can make an application for flexible work if they are: u

a parent, or person with responsibility for the care of a child of school age or younger;

u

a carer, within the meaning of the Carer Recognition Act 2010 (Cth);

u

a person with a disability;

u

a person aged 55 years or older;

u

a person experiencing violence from a member of their family; or

u

a person providing care or support needed by a member of their household or an immediate family member because that person is experiencing family violence.

juggling these responsibilities?

A: The National Employment Standards (NES) offers provisions for employees in certain situations to exercise flexibility over how they arrange their work. These provisions are known as flexible working arrangements.

Flexible work arrangements are an important tool an employee can use to increase their job satisfaction and offer a greater work/life balance.

There are benefits to both an employee and employer in accommodating workplace flexibility.

For an employee, flexible work helps improve performance and morale in both the workplace and home settings.

For an employer, flexible work reduces tardiness, absenteeism, and turnover in their workplace.

Under the NES, certain employees are eligible to apply for flexible working arrangements to assist in managing home and work responsibilities.

28 ’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

The employee can request, in writing, flexibility in hours of work (reducing hours, changes to start/finish times), patterns of work (split-shifts or job sharing) and in some other instances, location of work.

When a request is made, an employer is required to respond to the applicant in writing within 21 days, stating whether the request is granted or rejected.

An employer may only reject a written request on ‘reasonable business grounds’. Such grounds include but are not limited to: u

being too costly;

u

no capacity to accommodate change;

u

too impractical to change working arrangements of other employees/recruit new employees;

u

working arrangements likely to result in significant loss to efficiency or productivity;

u

likely negative impacts on customer service.

If you feel that your request has been unfairly refused, we can help you to dispute the refusal under the dispute resolution procedure of your Agreement or Award.

Should you require further assistance to make this application, please contact the Union on 1300 SDA HELP (1300 732 4357).

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Q: I hear a lot of talk about superannuation, and I don’t really understand what it’s all about and how it works. Can you help?

A: Superannuation or ‘super’ is saving money for when you retire.

OUR AWARDS & AGREEMENTS...

AWARDS

Although that might seem like a long way off, remember that it is your money

n

General Retail Industry Award 2020

and your employer is required to start paying super on your behalf into your

n

Fast Food Industry Award 2010

n

Storage Services & Wholesale Award 2020

HOW IT WORKS

n

Pharmacy Industry Award 2020

Federal superannuation law requires that your employer makes contributions to your

n

Pharmaceutical Industry Award 2020

superannuation fund.

n

Vehicle Repair, Service & Retail Award 2020

Currently, if you are over 18 years of age and earning more than $450 per month,

AGREEMENTS

superannuation account as soon as you earn over $450 per month.

your employer is legally required to deposit an extra 10% of your wage (ordinary time

n

ALDI

earnings) into your superannuation fund. It should be noted that there is a plan to

n

Ali Baba

increase the employer contribution to 12% over the coming years.

n

Baiada Steggles

From 1 July 2022, eligible employees who earn less than $450 per month will be paid

n

Barbeques Galore

super by their employer.

n

Best & Less

You can also make voluntary contributions from your pay or savings to increase your

n

Betts Shoes

super.

n

Big W

Your money is invested by your super fund to make it grow over time.

n

Bunnings

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

n

BWS

Without any super or savings, most working people would need to rely on the age

n

Clifford Hallam Healthcare

pension, which is completely inadequate for most people and does not provide

n

Coles Supermarkets

a decent retirement for those who have worked their whole lives in either paid

n

Coles Express

employment or unpaid work raising children. While there is likely to always be some

n

Coles Liquor Group

kind of age pension, many people will want to have extra money to enjoy their

n

Dan Murphy’s

retirement.

n

David Jones

With a retirement age of around 65 years of age, and Australia’s average life

n

Dulux

expectancy at about 80, there are 15 to 20 years where you will need to have some

n

Freedom Furniture

money saved up to live on.

n

Harris Scarfe

WHAT TYPES OF FUNDS ARE THERE?

n

Hungry Jack’s

n

Just Group

n

KFC

n

Kmart

n

Lovisa

n

Myer

u

Industry funds – run jointly by employers and unions solely to benefit their members;

u u u

Retail funds – run by financial institutions for profit; Employer stand-alone funds – run by one employer for their own employees; Self-managed funds – run by an individual for him or herself.

n

DOES EVERYONE GET SUPERANNUATION?

Officeworks

n

Priceline

To be eligible to receive superannuation contributions, you must satisfy certain criteria.

n

Prouds

You must:

n

The Reject Shop

u

be under the age of 70;

n

Sanity

u

be working full-time, part-time or casual;

n

Super Retail Group

u

If you’re under 18, you must also work a minimum 30 hours a week to get

n

Target

superannuation contributions. However, some Awards and Enterprise Agreements

n

Tasty Trucks

may have superannuation entitlements included in them – regardless of the hours

n

Woolworths Petrol

you work and what age you are.

n

Woolworths Supermarkets

’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021 29

RETIREMENT SAVINGS

SUPER DELIVERS DOUBLE FIGURE RETURNS YET IT IS STILL UNDER ATTACK!

For Pension members, the default Balanced option posted gains of +1.58% for the quarter, and +14.17% for the year, ending 30 September 2021.

BY GERARD DWYER NATIONAL SECRETARY

Super is delivering double figure returns.

But some commentators have described superannuation’s recent performance as “a reversal of fortunes that was inconceivable just a year ago.” Others have said it confirms the long-term nature of superannuation.

What it undoubtably confirms is that attacks on super are misplaced – in the financial year ending 2021, super funds averaged 18% growth. That is, superannuation delivered double figure returns to retirement savings.

At Rest Industry Super, the super fund for retail and fast food, the Core Strategy ended the financial year with a 17.43% return, and the award-winning Balanced-Indexed option returned 19.98%. For Pension members, the Balanced option which takes less risks gained 15.19%. If a member’s balance is $5,000, that’s about $900 more in their account.

In the most recent quarter, which is the three months to 30 September, Rest’s Core Strategy option was up +1.77% for the quarter and +16.37% for the year.

Superannuation remains a good long-term investment, which is ideal for something as long term as retirement which could be 50 years away and last for 30 years.

When the impacts of the pandemic were first felt, industry super largely broke even, despite significant losses in March and April 2020. This year, the averages are in the high teens.

Since its inception in 1988, Rest has performed at 8.21% per annum. This is well above Rest’s investment objective of CPI (inflation) + 3% per year over the long-term, which means Rest members’ retirement savings have been growing at a faster pace than the cost of living.

AUSTRALIA’S WORLD CLASS SUPER SYSTEM IS UNDER ATTACK AGAIN Despite superannuation delivering great investment returns for retirement savings, and being acknowledged internationally as one of the best retirement savings systems in the world, our super system remains under attack.

Over the past few months, there has been a political narrative that super funds should close to new members if they don’t perform at a benchmark set by the LNP Government.

While the worst performing funds should certainly go, surely a benchmark for your super should be defined by what’s right for you, and not what the Government thinks is right for everyone?

All funds, whether their members have $500 or a million dollars, are treated the same. Many members have asked Rest for a sustainable investment option. Others have chosen Rest for its insurance. Members’ decisions aren’t acknowledged in the new approach. Sadly, it is not the first time the Government has attacked super.

Since the Federal Government’s election, that attack has included: taking default insurance away from those who are under 25 and those with low balances which puts at risk their ability to save and protect those savings for retirement;

u

30 ’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

RETIREMENT SAVINGS

forcing 3.5 million workers to raid their superannuation just to get by during the COVID pandemic. The Government announced the use of retirement savings before releasing government funding to pay for JobKeeper and the temporary JobSeeker increase;

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extending early release of Super rather than increasing social security benefits, resulting in people needing to dip into retirement savings a second time to pay the bills, buy groceries and pay the rent. This policy left more than 750,000 workers with zero super, 80% of whom are under the age of 35: and

u

proposing to freeze the legislated increases to the super guarantee like they did in 2014. It didn’t happen, thanks to our campaigns, but if they had done it again in 2021, it would have cost about 8.7 million people $14.2 billion in super contributions this year. This equates to an average loss of $1,630 per person.

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The next attack? They are saying Australians should raid our retirement to pay for our homes.

Firstly, you should be able to have both a home and a decent retirement.

Whether its owned or rented, your home should be a place of comfort and safety that you can afford because you earn decent wages and the cost of houses are reasonable. In retirement, whether it’s funded by the pension or superannuation, you should have a decent standard of living – about the same as during your working life or indeed a better one through a minimum standard that provides dignity and economic security. A home and retirement should not be an either/or choice.

Secondly, you can currently use the advantages of super for saving for a deposit for your first home through the First Home Super Saver Scheme. It’s not an ideal policy in economic terms, but it does allow you to save in a way that locks the money away for that purpose or for your retirement. Putting additional money into super and taking that additional money out for a first home is vastly different to early access to retirement savings which costs a person their guarantee and its compounding interest.

Finally, it gives no solution to employment issues. Too many Australians don’t have the kind of job that enables them to have a place to call home – a job that is secure, pays good wages, and delivers enough hours of work. The housing market, whether it be to buy or rent, is increasingly out of reach due to insecure work. While there are some projects for affordable housing, these are neither large enough in scale nor comprehensive enough to deliver an affordable housing solution for all Australians.

Early access to retirement savings for housing fuels the rising cost of owning a home, does nothing about instability in renting, and nothing to deal with the rise in homelessness. The SDA’s view is clear – there needs to be a National Housing and Ending Homelessness Plan, which would make it easier to save for and buy a home, make it easier and more secure to rent, increase and improve the quality of housing; and ensure people experiencing homelessness can access both a home and support.

Early release of retirement savings for housing would add fuel to the fire of the rising cost of housing – and is unfair. Australians deserve policies that promote both secure housing and retirement savings.

In just 5 minutes, Rest’s Super Health Check can help you: • Choose how to invest your super • Find any lost super • Check your insurance cover • Make sure your TFN is submitted • Nominate a beneficiary • Optimise your extra contributions

Scan to get started

or visit rest.com.au/advice

Rest Advice is provided by Link Advice Pty Ltd ABN 36 105 811 836, AFSL 258145 (Link Advice). Rest Advisers are staff members of Rest and provide advice as authorised representatives of Link Advice. Rest Digital Advice is provided by Link Advice. Rest Advice may be accessed by members without incurring additional fees for simple advice. An advice fee may be payable for complex advice. You should read the Rest Advice Financial Services Guide, which you can obtain by calling us on 1300 300 778, before accessing these services. Product issued by Retail Employees Superannuation Pty Limited. Consider if it is appropriate for you and read the PDS and Target Market Determination available at rest.com.au before deciding to join or stay.

’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

31

TEXTBOOK SCHOLARSHIPS

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS.

Member’s Name

Scholarship for

Jasmin Abraham

Zhara Jackson

Fynn Aldridge Deborah Allen Caitlin Allport Paula Arthur Emma Barr

Self Imogen Grindlay Self Riley Arthur Self

EACH OF YOU WON $100 TOWARDS YOUR EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIES

Sharon Barrett

Each year, your Union provides scholarships to help members pay for their own and their children’s education.

Donna Burton

Imogen Burton

Alison Cameron

Holly Cameron

$30,000 SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Bridget Harper

Alaska Bell

Self

Joshua Bollard

Self

Kylie Boyle

Self

Kaleisha Brown

Self

Kelly Brown Kirra Brush

Georgia Casumaro

Kayden Brown Self

Self

Michelle Chamings Jessica Lancelott Alyssa Chesterfield

Self

This year, we once again gave away textbook scholarships to help members who are studying with their education costs.

Ella Chidgey

Self

The winners were determined by a ballot of applications received by the Union office.

Annika Coulson

Hayley Coulson

Timothy Courts

Self

TERMS OF THE SCHOLARSHIP

Erin Cullen

Self

Olivia Daley

Self

Grace Connell Stephen Cotterill

Christine Connell Rose Cotterill

Scholarships are applicable to secondary and tertiary students only.

Parents/guardians who are members with children studying in these years were able to apply.

Tegan Day

Only one scholarship application per student was accepted.

Scholarships are usable for the purchase of textbooks as prescribed on school booklists.

They are redeemable online at Booktopia.com.au.

Please note, you must use the whole $100 voucher when purchasing items. No change or credit will be given for the unused portion of a voucher.

Kaitlin Foell

Self

Jade Forde

Self

Annalese Fouracre

Self

WE’RE HELPING YOU BUY THE BOOKS! The winners of this year’s scholarships are published here. Congratulations to all of you, and good luck with your studies.

For more information, please contact the SDA on 1300 SDA HELP (1300 732 4357).

32 ’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

Self

Elisha Duckett

Finn Duckett

Lauren Eather

Self

Matthew Edwards

Self

Kerrie Finley

Louisa Frail Michelle Gilbert Abbie Gillespie Kerrieanne Gordon Lucy Graham Jodi-Lee Granato Lee-Anne Green Robyn Grills Claire Karen Hall

Hollie Finley

Damian Frail Monique Gilbert Self Abbie Gordon Self Liam Granato Self Grills Tianna Hall

David Halliday

Joshua Halliday

Lisa Harrison

Lauren Harrison

Amanda Harvey

Max Harvey

TEXTBOOK SCHOLARSHIPS

Reece Hicks Adele Higgins

Self

Cindy Pinkerton

Matthew Pinkerton

Ewan Higgins Black

Leyanne Platten

Josh Davies

Jackie Ho Chan

Self

Joanna Poole

Self

Jacob Hopner-Cummings

Self

Allison Purvis

Self

Jessica Horne

Jorja Rodway

Self

Rebecca Howard

Self

Lily Saunders

Self

Rebekah Humphreys

Self

Alyssa Schionning Vesper Schionning

Courtney Hutchings

Self

Ella Scotman

Self

Joanne Huthnance Connor Huthnance

Tanya Sellens

Penelope Sellens

Mary Jacks

Ayrton Sementchenkoff

Sharon Horne

Melissa Jeffs Alexis Jeffs Belinda Jordan

Joshua Jacks

Frances Serone

Regan Smith

Self

Melanie Sexton

Emellia Sexton

Elysha Jordan

Lucy Jung

Self

Zoe Kniest

Self

Jeffrey Knight

Kyle Knight

Michelle Lee

Sienna Lee

Jett Lee

Self

Christine Leedham Jessica Leedham Ann-Louise Leete Tanya MacBean Maria Maher

Julie Leete David MacBean Henry Maher

Jacob Matangira Kupakwashe Matangira Joanne McDonald Jessica Cronshaw Robyn McGuire Eliza Mcintyre Ella McKay

Jaedyn McGuire Ashlyn Whitton Self

Nicky McLennan Lochlan McLennan Renae Meyers Lindy Moase Odessa Mullin Jasmine Murray

Self

Jade Jeffs

Savannah Meyers Kaylee Meehan Self Cherakee Smith

Kathleen O’Brien

Self

Abbey O’Reilly

Self

Morgan Page

Self

Samantha Pal

Self

Zoe Sexton

Self

Mikayla Sharpe

Self

Paige Shaw

Self

Belinda Sherry

Bethany Sherry

Kristin Simpson

Jack Simpson

Rebecca Smith

Luke Smith

Jake Smith

Self

Hannah Smith

Self

Erin Smythe

Self

Jemima Sproule

Self

Brooke Travers

Self

Cara Wall

Self

Sonya Walsh Julia Wason Nicole Watson Ciara Whitehead

Tara Walsh Self Cohen Hamilton Self

Rebecca Willey

Nicolas Willey

Kathryn Wilson

Lillian Wilson

Tayla Winter

Self

Brendon Young

Self

Fiona Pickard-Ling Rhys Pickard-Ling

’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021 33

SDA MEMBER BENEFITS

THE SDA’S NEW MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM

SDA MEMBER REWARDS Your E-Wallet

JOHN SMITH

Gift Cards

SDA Member Rewards provides you and your family with exclusive discounts on:

Major Retailers & Supermarkets

Accommodation

Movie Tickets

Insurance Services

Entertainment & Leisure

and much more!

Accessible anytime, anywhere from any device.

Register or log in at sdan.ewallet.com.au

34 ’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

SDA MEMBER BENEFITS

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF DISCOUNT PROGRAM: INTRODUCING OUR NEW

SDA Member Rewards SDA members Member Rewards is a fully digital SDA can enjoy The SDA doesn’t just fight to benefits package and offers discounts and savings on:endless secure better pay and rewards and savings from Australia’s conditions at work, we also look • eGift Cards for a range leading brands and products - of to support you outside of it. popular retailers,anytime, services and accessible anywhere, That’s why alsocore offerpurpose you a more While the we SDA’s from any device. range of benefits as part of our • Online Offers including is improving your wages This means you will no longer commitment to making sure your discount codes and and conditions, we also offer a membership card and SDA membership is value for money. cashbacks members a range of benefits and receive voucher booklet at the start of the discounts.

As our previous discount provider was • A range of household yearappliances, but that doesn’t mean you homewares, making a number of changes to their won’t have access to great discounts electronics and games It’s all part of our commitment program (including the removal of and offers. which can be purchased to making sure your SDA their voucher book), we have decided directSDA through the eWallet membership is value for money.

Through Member Rewards, to trial a new and improved discount delivered to your home.

SDAand members can enjoy discounts program to ensure you get the most •andTravel packages and SDA Member Rewards is a fully savings on: out of your membership. digital benefits package and restaurants » eGift Cards for a range of popular offers youwe’re endless rewards and This year, excited to launch services and savings from Australia’s Youretailers, are sure to find allmore of the a new discount program – leading SDA leading retailers available! brands and products accessible Member Rewards. » Online Offers including discount anywhere, anytime, from any codes and cashbacks device.

» Household homewares," You can easilyappliances, save hundreds of electronics and games which can dollars with this great program, be delivered to your which is exclusive to home SDA members. » Travel packages and restaurants

You can easily save hundreds of dollars with this great program, which is exclusive to SDA members.

How do I access SDA Member Rewards



1

Visit sdan.ewallet.com.au or scan this code with your phone camera:

2

Enter your details to create your account.

You will need to use the same email address you have registered with the SDA.

3

Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive an email from SDA Member Rewards confirming your registration. Click this link to add your details and create your profile.

4

Add your payment details by clicking on the ‘eWallet’ icon, verify them and you’re ready to go.

You can also access SDA Member Rewards by logging into sdan.org.au and heading to the Discounts page.

If you need any help setting up your account or navigating the website, please call 1300 059 257 or email sda@ewallet.com.au.

’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021 35

SDA MEMBER BENEFITS

ACCIDENT FREE INSURANCE MBERS E M A D S L FOR AL

For many years, all financial members of the SDA have

been covered by the Union’s free Accident Insurance Scheme.

WHEN ARE YOU COVERED? The SDA Accident Insurance Scheme is intended to cover you at all times when you

The SDA works hard to

are not covered by workers’

continually improve our

compensation.

cover to provide additional benefits, as well as increasing

UP TO

$80,00 0

In this way, you have 24-hour cover: workers’ compensation while at work, and the SDA Insurance Scheme at other times.

SDA members aged up to 80 are covered by the policy world-

the amount payable for

wide (subject to sanction exclusions), irrespective of where

injuries — still at no cost to

the accident occurs – absolutely free to every financial

you.

member of the SDA.

WHAT YOU SAVE

HOW TO CLAIM If you suffer an injury, please contact the SDA for advice on

The SDA Insurance Scheme

the procedure to follow. Claims should be submitted within

is absolutely free for every

30 days of the accident. The benefits of the SDA Accident

financial member of the Union.

If you had to insure yourself

Insurance Scheme are not affected if you have other insurance cover.

ACCIDENTS CAN HAPPEN The SDA’s Accident Insurance Scheme covers you in the event of:

with a similar type of policy,

t

it would cost you more than

t

$450 each year.

death,

total incapacity to work in the job you were trained and/or educated to perform,

t

the need for knee reconstruction or arthroscopic surgery,

t

the breaking of bones,

than 200,000 SDA members

t

the loss of limbs, sight or hearing,

nationally enables the Union

t

the complete or partial tear of achilles tendon, and

t

other defined injuries as listed in the policy,

The buying power of more

to cover you for free.

when they are caused by violent, external and visible means outside working hours and are not attributable to an illness.

For more information, go to sdan.org.au, or contact the Union office on 1300 SDA HELP (1300 732 4357). *Conditions apply.

36 ’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

SDA PEOPLE

15 vouche worth $ rs

HONORARY MEMBERS

1 to be w 00 Register on each ye ar for an SDA parental pack and you could win!

We congratulate our most recent retirees, and wish them all the best in their future adventures. u Dianne

Bebber, Woolworths Salamander Bay

u Kathryn

Hamilton, Kmart Woy Woy

u Christine u Vivien

To raise members’ awareness of the entitlements available to new parents and to clearly explain their industrial rights, the SDA provides a Parental Pack which includes a guide to industrial rights and obligations relating to parental leave, and a gift for your new baby.

u Harry

Wilson, Coles Lake Haven

Law, Ritchies IGA Kurri Kurri

Lethbridge, Bunnings Trade Centre

Cameron Park u Toni

McDonald, Coles Swansea

u Suzanne u Terry

Murray, Target Cessnock

Davies, Big W Singleton

Eligibility Parental Packs are available to the mother or father of a child who is less than six months old where that parent is a financial member of the SDA either at the time of commencing parental leave or at the time of the birth of the child.

Register for your pack You can register for your SDA Parental Pack immediately after birth of your child – simply contact the SDA by calling 1300 SDA HELP (1300 732 4357).

How to win!

When you register for your SDA Parental Pack, you’ll automatically go into the draw to win one of five Target or Big W $100 gift vouchers — a total of 15 winners per year!

Winners are drawn every January, May and October.

Congratulations to the winners of the October draw n n n n n

Rebecca Bushell, Coles Singleton Jasmin Cooper, Reject Shop Gosford Kirra Hac, McDonald’s Thornton Robyn Smith, Big W East Maitland Dominique Vitullo, Woolworths Supermarket Swansea

GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE Our condolences go out to the family and friends of members who have passed.

Kathleen Young, Honorary Member

u

Shaaron Enderby, Woolworths Newcastle West

u

Charlotte Armstrong, Honorary Member

u

Jennifer Drylie, Big W Mount Hutton

u

Max Ray, Honorary Member

u

Bennette Thomas, Coles Salamander Bay

u

Allan McNaughton, NOK of Winifred McNaughton,

u

Honorary Member Dennis Bebber, NOK of Dianne Bebber,

u

Honorary Member Neil Dundas, NOK of Shelley Dundas, Coles Glendale

u

Darren Katchel, NOK of Pamela Reed,

u

Woolworths Cardiff Joseph Benis, NOK of Michelle McConkey,

u

Bunnings Lake Haven Peter Finch, NOK of Natalie Finch, Coles Swansea

u

’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021 37

SDA MEMBER BENEFITS

SDA memberS get 15% off At

tfe hotelS tfe hotels, headquartered in Australia, currently comprises 70 hotels in Australia and New Zealand under seven brands.

And now, SDA members can receive special prices when booking at tfe hotels in Australia or New Zealand, including A by Adina, Adina hotels, Vibe hotels, Quincy, travelodge hotels, rendezvous, and Collection by tfe hotels (the Calile, the Savoy, and hotel Kurrajong). to receive your 15% discount on the best available room rates, simply go to tfehotels.com/en, and key in promo code TH62005, or scan this Qr code (promo code is automatically applied).

Collection

tfehotels.com/en/ Just add promo code TH62005 here, and begin your search

by TFE hotels

offer applies until 31 December 2022.

knose Pet Care Made Easy

GRE AT NE W

DISCOUNT PET INSURANCE FOR SDA MEMBERS

BENEFIT F OR SDA M E

MBERS!

SAVE 5% EVERY YEAR THAT YOU CONTINUALLY HOLD COVER CHOOSE UP TO 90% BENEFIT PERCENTAGE OPTION TO INCLUDE EXTRA BENEFITS 100% AUSTRALIAN-BASED SERVICE AND CLAIMS TEAMS

AWARD-WINNING PET INSURANCE DESIGNED WITH THE HELP OF VETS. SIMPLE PET INSURANCE WITH OPTIONAL EXTRA BENEFITS $25,000 ANNUAL LIMIT NO SUB LIMITS NO ADDITIONAL EXCESS OR HIDDEN FEES

WWW.KNOSE.COM.AU/PET-INSURANCE/SDA-NSW/ This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. To qualify, you must use the promotion code SDA. If you take out multiple policies the offer is available for each policy taken out. This is a promotion by Knose Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN 38 620 795 735). Engaging Members (ABN 86758398756) may receive a referral fee for each person who takes up the offer of discounted pet insurance from Knose. For more details see the Knose Pet Insurance Financial Services Guide.

38 ’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

SDA MEMBER BENEFITS

iNJureD at WorK?

WorKerS health CeNtre CaN helP

At Workers Health Centre, we understand that recovering from injury is

Managers – keep out of medical appointments!

Managers and insurance companies have no right to attend your medical appointments, even if it is for a work-related injury.

Medical appointments are private.

Tell any manager or insurance company representative that they are not entitled to attend.

Contact the SDA if you need any help.

a stressful time and we are

MRM LAWYERS, PROVIDING PERSONALISED, PROFESSIONAL LAW SERVICES LOCALLY

PROuDLY ASSIStING SDA MEMBERS AND thEIR FAMILIES FOR OVER 50 YEARS

here to help.

You have a legal

FIRSt CONSuLtAtION FREE AND DISCOuNtED RAtES FOR FINANCIAL MEMBERS

right to: l Choose your own l

rehab provider l Choose your own

doctor l Be actively involved

INSuRANCE LAW EStAtE PLANNING LItIGAtION FAMILY LAW WORKPLACE ISSuES SuPERANNuAtION EMPLOYMENt LAW WILLS & INhERItANCE DISPutES DISABILItY PROPERtY – BuYING/SELLING l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

FOR YOuR LEGAL ISSuES, CALL MRM LAWYERS. tRADItIONAL VALuES PROFESSIONAL APPROACh MODERN DELIVERY

stephen bray paul mantach

l

wayne dever

l

peter rogers

Learning to drive can be daunting. You have to gain 120 logbook hours, master all the skills and pass the driving test.

With Trent Driving School, getting your freedom is easy.

Learn with Trent and you will: 4 Pass first go 4 Park like a pro 4 Get bonus logbook hours 4 Learn in the best cars Make sure you book the Safer Drivers Course with Trent Driving School to get your 20 bonus logbook hours.

Exclusive offer for SDA members

l

l

l

The best way to learn to drive

l

Book with Trent and receive a 10% discount on any full priced lesson.* Just use coupon code SDATrent when booking.

www.ltrent.com.au (02) 8748 4500

in your return to work.

9749 7666 Ph 4967 0888 MRMLAWYERS.COM.Au

*offer only available to students that are new to Trent Driving School. Not valid with any other offer.

l

uNIt 5, 2 FROSt DRIVE, MAYFIELD WESt NSW 2304 MAILtLAND NEWCAStLE l SINGLEtON l

chill out driving school

RA OPE TE

D AUST

D WNE &

SIRA Accredited

Please note: Central Coast only

n n SDA SDA member member benefits benefits n Logbook guidance n Logbook guidance n Test preparation n Test preparation n Aged test and n training Discount packages; gift vouchers n Discount packages;

LIAN O RA

workershealth .com.au

sdA members receive $25 off the standard rate for 5 lessons.

More than 90% of students have passed first time with us!

0424 914 700 info@chilloutdrivingschool.com.au www.chilloutdrivingschool.com.au

’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021 39

SDA MEMBER BENEFITS

DON’T LEAVE YOUR ENTITLEMENTS TO CHANCE As an employee, your work-related legal entitlements are set out in various Awards, Agreements and Acts of Parliament.

These entitlements may include sick leave, penalty rates, wages, rosters, overtime, allowances, health and safety standards and annual leave.

The SDA’s experts can advise you of your entitlements and, if necessary, obtain them from your employer.

Disputes with your employer need not cost you your job. If you have been unfairly treated, make sure you call the SDA to find out what your options are.

As a member of the SDA, it will cost you nothing.

40 ’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021

SDA MEMBER BENEFITS

$5 off for SDA ! members

Learn to drive with CP Driver Training!

We at CPDT believe that obtaining a licence is a privilege not a right. This is why we want to teach skills which will stay with you for life, not just to pass your driving test!

4 Fully licenced 4 Friendly, professional and patient male or female instructors 4 Manual or automatic dual-control vehicles 4 Member of ADTA 4 Locally owned and operated 4 School pick up and drop off available 4 Lessons available 6 days a week (Mon–Sat) from 7am.

Night lessons available by request The areas we cover are: Maitland, East Maitland, Cessnock, Branxton, Greta, Lochinvar, Kurri Kurri, Thornton, Beresfield, Ashtonfield, Tenambit, Rutherford, Aberglasslyn, Gillieston Heights, and surrounding areas suburbs (not Newcastle or the Central Coast).

P DR IV ER

T R A I N I N G

Phone: 0408 517 417 Email: cpdt@outlook.com Website: cpdrivertraining.com.au

A VALUABLE RESOURCE

The SDA website offers a lot more than information about your industrial rights.

Log onto sdan.org.au from your desktop, laptop or mobile device to get access to information about great discounts, offers and campaigns, as well as your rights, entitlements and obligations, plus much more!

Just one more reason to be part of your Union – the SDA!

$ Save on coverage with an 8% discount^

Switching is easy, and you won’t have to re-serve waiting periods for current benefits

Flexible covers to suit your needs

If you need help finding the health insurance policy for you, contact nib’s award winning member service team on 1800 131 463 & unlock your 8% membership discount.

SDA NEWC_Mag_Ad_185x85mm_112020_Print.indd 1

6/11/20 2:21 pm ’CAUSE DECEMBER 2021 41

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www.sdan.org.au 21060