'Cause - Your Voice Matters Magazine July 2021

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YOUR YOUR VOICE YOUR VOICE MATTERS VOICE MATTERS MATTERS

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

EDITORIAL

YOU DESERVE YOUR PAY RISE NOW! warehouse workers can’t afford to

MORE SUPPORT – NOT DELAYED PAY RISES

have another ‘wage freeze’, and the

The pandemic has seen significant

SDA pushed back strongly against

spikes in abusive customer behaviour,

any calls to postpone pay increases

with devastating effects on frontline

in this year’s Annual Wage Review.

workers across the country.

It is simply not good enough for

The SDA believes our members

Australia’s essential retail and

BY BARBARA NEBART, BRANCH SECRETARY

The Fair Work Commission (FWC)

politicians, the media and the

– which determines national wage

public, in general, to praise the great

rises – has once again discriminated

work done by retail and warehouse

against retail and warehouse

workers in keeping Australia ‘open’,

workers by delaying this year’s 2.5%

only to have those same heroes

annual wage rise until 1 September.

told to take an unfair pay freeze as

For most other Australian workers,

thanks for their efforts.

the new rate started from 1 July.

deserve more support from governments in educating the public about the measures that need to be put in place to protect everyone, and bring the virus under control.

Panic-buying and stock shortages, impacts from control measures such as social distancing and limits

PANDEMIC EFFECTS ON OUR MEMBERS

on customer numbers, hygiene

The proposed pay rise delay in

face masks, QR codes and other

response to our members’ hard

customer record-keeping processes,

work is made so much more

all contributed to a more hostile

work of the SDA and its members,

difficult given the worsening

and dangerous environment for our

the majority of SDA members

COVID-19 situation in our State, and

members.

secured wage increases before 1

most other parts of Australia.

A huge government public

February 2021 and, with additional

Our members are telling us public

‘recognition payments’, received

behaviour towards them is only

wage increases in excess of the

getting worse, the more COVID-19

1.75% 2020 FWC decision.

restrictions are put in place.

SWIFT ACTION TAKEN

The 2020 SDA’s No One Deserve a

The SDA has once again swung into

Serve (NODAS) survey shows that

swift action to pressure employers

verbal and physical abuse are a

This comes hard on the heels of the outrageous seven-month, wagerise delay the FWC imposed on retail and warehouse workers last year.

At that time, as a result of the hard

to pay the new rate to retail and warehouse workers from 1 July 2021, so they are treated like nearly every other worker in Australia.

At the time of writing this article, Woolworths, Big W, EG Fuels, Dan

constant and escalating experience for our members during the pandemic.

The results are alarming. A key take away is that 88% of respondents

measures such as hand sanitiser,

information campaign should be telling people how to behave in retail stores by: u Putting

a mask on;

u Scanning

QR codes, or

providing written details; and u Treating

retail and fast food

workers with respect.

VACCINE PRIORITY The SDA is also pushing for our members to have priority access to COVID-19 vaccines.

The industries our members work in,

Murphy’s and BWS have agreed to

have experienced verbal abuse in

pay the increase from 1 July. We are

the last 12 months.

they have a higher level of exposure

campaigning for other companies

See pages 8-9 for more information

to people outside their family group

to follow suit.

about the survey.

than many other occupations.

2 ’CAUSE JULY 2021

and the nature of their jobs, means

EDITORIAL

While the SDA recognises and

campaign to get the Super

The SDA’s Stand Up for Super

supports the need for vulnerable,

Contribution Guarantee rate

campaign aims to achieve several

elderly people and medical

to 12% – eventually.

other key objectives, which include:

professionals to be vaccinated first,

The SDA is particularly pleased that

u Protecting

we submit that those who do not

the $450 threshold for receiving

superannuation system and

have the option of working from

super has also been removed, as

rejecting any attempts to make

we have been campaigning hard for

super optional for Australian

this change for some time.

workers;

home, and who meet hundreds of people every day, should also be given priority access.

GOOD NEWS ON SUPER

u Keeping

We believe that compulsory

our universal

to the promised

superannuation should be an

Superannuation Contribution

entitlement for every worker,

Guarantee rate increase to 12%;

From 1 July, all workers should have

including those who are under

and

had their employer superannuation

18 years of age, those on parental

contributions lifted from 9.5% to

leave and to those who are earning

10%, as part of the ongoing

less than $450 per calendar month.

u Stopping

women from retiring in

poverty.

See pages 18-21 for more details.

SHOP, DISTRIBUTIVE AND ALLIED EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION, SDA NEWCASTLE & NORTHERN BRANCH WWW.SDAN.ORG.AU PHONE 1300 SDA HELP (1300 732 4357)

UNION OFFICIALS President:

Mr G Luxton

Vice Presidents:

Ms K Brown, Ms R Mcguire

POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 2211, Dangar NSW 2309

Secretary/Treasurer:

Barbara Nebart

Assistant Secretary:

David Bliss

EMAIL ADDRESS: secretary@sdan.org.au

Director of Organising:

Anne Charlton

Industrial Officers:

Brendon Lott, Zak Holgate

‘CAUSE Published by the Shop Assistants and Warehouse Employees’ Federation of Australia, Newcastle and Northern NSW.

ORGANISERS:

Lyn Wiebe, Debra Dunning, Susan Sneesby, Liam Burrows, Leighton Smith

RECRUITMENT OFFICERS:

Belinda Urquhart, Michael Owen, Belinda Stapleton, Scott Harrison, Karla Gunther

INFORMATION OFFICERS:

Isobel Carr, Georgia Coombs

Editor: Barbara Nebart

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICERS: Peta Bereczky, Shaun Dyas COMMITTEE:

R Simmons (Woolworths), E Frost (Coles), J Crotty (Woolworths), L Farrell (Coles), T Coggan (Bunnings), C Morris (McDonald’s)

’CAUSE DECEMBER ’CAUSE JULY 2020 3 2021 3

ANNUAL WAGE REVIEW

SDA members on why essential workers need a pay rise I am an essential worker and it was a slap in the face when my pay increase was held back. I risked my own health and safety during the height of the pandemic and was then deemed not worthy of a legislated pay rise. It affected my mental and emotional health as I felt like I didn’t matter.

I am a 64-year-old woman. I would like to be able to reduce my hours and retire before my physical health forces me to. I still have a mortgage that needs to be paid but I am slowing down.

Each day brings me to a breakdown about money struggles and stresses, but I get up and I go again, knowing full well that it won’t be enough to cover all my bills and living expenses, but it’s all I have. How are we meant to build a life like this?

I became homeless during the pandemic and lost the majority of my hours as I was a casual worker. This left me with no home and next to no income. Job security is really important and now I’ve been employed as a part-time employee, I am struggling to meet my bills...I’m worth more than what I’m paid, I put my heart and soul into my work and I feel like I’m treated as disposable despite my efforts.

As essential workers, I believe we should be paid as such and the pay increase without delay would show gratitude for all the hard work, sacrifices and, in some cases, high-risk situations we put ourselves and families through.

I have been trying for many years to save to buy my first home, but with the cost of living increasing, house prices increasing and my wage staying stagnant, that goal gets further and further from my reach. I am starting to lose hope...The basic life milestone of home ownership has now become a luxury reserved for the elite and not attainable for everyday people like myself.

4 ’CAUSE JULY 2021

ANNUAL WAGE REVIEW

2.5% ANNUAL WAGE INCREASE...

BUT DELAYED AGAIN! The SDA strongly believes: Essential workers should be

u

recognised for their hard work

BY BARBARA NEBART, BRANCH SECRETARY

over the last 12 months which kept the country running, despite risks to their health & safety.

Last year, the Fair Work

u

The Fair Work Commission’s Annual

Commission delayed the pay rise

Wage Review (AWR) determines

for retail and fast food workers

the minimum wage for Australian

– this was extremely unfair and

workers.

Last year, the Commission unfairly delayed the increase for retail workers.

But as a result of the hard work of the SDA and its members, the majority of SDA members secured wage increases before 1

must not happen again.

Australia needs a boost to the

u

economy to help recover from the pandemic and providing workers with a fair wage increase means they have more money to spend in local businesses.

February 2021 and, with additional

Over 6,000 SDA members have, to

‘recognition payments’, received

date, signed our petition to support

wage increases in excess of the

our wages campaign.

1.75% 2020 AWR decision.

This is in stark comparison to

The SDA campaigns for a fair pay

employer lobby groups who argued

rise every year, and this year strongly

for minimal or no increases at all.

When the Commission handed down its 2021 Decision, there was good news and bad news.

The Commission granted a 2.5% wage increase for all Awards.

Congratulations to all the members who participated in the campaign to achieve a decent sized increase.

The bad news is that the Commission again delayed the increase for retail workers by two months.

While the majority of workers got their increase on 1 July, retail workers need to wait until 1 September. The SDA believes this is unfair and is not justified.

We are calling on all the major companies to pay the increase from 1 July.

At the time of writing this article, Woolworths Supermarkets, Big W, EG Fuels, Dan Murphy’s and BWS have agreed to pay the increase from 1 July. We are campaigning for other companies to follow suit.

supported the ACTU’s submission calling for a 3.5% or $25.38 per week increase to the minimum wage.

The SDA also filed a submission with the Fair Work Commission outlining our arguments for a pay rise for SDA members.

Australia’s essential retail, fast food and warehouse workers can’t afford to have another ‘wage freeze’ and the SDA has pushed back strongly against any calls to postpone pay increases in this year’s Annual Wage

Jessica and Chloe from BWS show their support for the SDA’s pay rise campaign.

Review.

’CAUSE JULY 2021

5

ANNUAL WAGE REVIEW

Our essential workers deserve a pay rise on 1 July!

Alison deserves a pay rise

Eden and Kelly

Ben deserves a pay

es

deserve pay ris

rise

Ben and Emily deserve pay rises

Hannah and Christine deserve pay rises

6 ’CAUSE JULY 2021

ANNUAL WAGE REVIEW

James deserves

a pay rise serve pay rises

Lina and Julia de

e

y ris Kathryn deserves a pa

Natalie deserves a pay rise

Jessica, Shona an serves Samantha de a pay rise

d Chelsea deserve pay rises

’CAUSE JULY 2021

7

HEALTH AND SAFETY

SURVEY RESULTS ARE IN In 2020, the No One Deserves

Panic-buying and stock shortages,

2,338 SDA members responded

A Serve campaign and the work

impacts from control measures

to the member survey, while

the SDA does around customer

such as social distancing and

17 employers responded to

abuse and violence shifted its focus

limits on customer numbers,

the employer survey – 15 retail

toward the pandemic and how the

hygiene measures such as hand

companies and two fast food

associated changes – including

sanitiser, face masks, QR codes and

companies, representing 28 large and

other customer record-keeping

medium retail and fast food brands.

processes all contributed to a more

The survey results recognise that

hostile and dangerous environment

while some positive preventative

for our members and workers in the

measures have been put in place,

retail and fast food industries.

and progress has been made in

Towards the end of 2020, the

regard to overall awareness of the

SDA surveyed both members

issue, there have not been significant

social and economic restrictions – changed customer behaviour.

The pandemic saw significant spikes in abusive customer behaviour, with devastating effects on retail and fast food workers across the country.

and employers about the nature

The retail and fast food industries

improvements in customer abuse

and prevalence of abuse and

and violence experienced by SDA

faced an increased prevalence and

violence by customers, and

members.

general risk of customer abuse and

control measures that have been

violence due to COVID-19.

introduced to reduce it.

Some of the abuse and violence experienced during this time has been as a direct consequence of COVID-19.

21% of SDA members who responded to the survey said they had been coughed on or spat at during COVID-19.

The SDA will continue to campaign to eliminate customer abuse and violence to ensure the safety of SDA members is the number one priority.

The No One Deserves A Serve campaign is a long-term campaign to change customer behaviour not just during the pandemic but every day – SDA members should never face abuse and violence at work.

8 ’CAUSE JULY 2021

HEALTH AND SAFETY

'

KEY FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY

Impacts 71% of respondents said

u

Prevalence

the experience of customer

88% of respondents have

abuse and violence had

u

experienced verbal abuse in the

impacted their physical or

last 12 months. This is the same

mental health.

result as the previous 2016 SDA survey.

Reporting Only 58.5% of respondents

u

Almost half of the members who

u

said they had reported an

experienced verbal abuse in the

incident of abuse or violence

last 12 months said it occurred

to their employer.

weekly or monthly.

Female members were more

Young workers were much

u

u

less likely to report an

likely to have experienced verbal

incident of customer abuse

abuse from a customer (89%)

and violence because they

than male members (83%).

didn’t think it was serious

Almost 8% of respondents

u

enough or nothing would be

said they had been the victim

done, or it wouldn’t be taken

of physical violence from a

seriously.

customer in the last 12 months.

10.65% of respondents said they

u

Measures to prevent and

had experienced incidents of

respond to abuse and

customer abuse that was sexual

violence

in nature, this is slightly less

SDA members ranked the top

than the 2016 survey which was

five most effective measures to

11.6%.

prevent abuse as:

COVID-19 70% of respondents said that

u

Customer signage

u

Incident reporting

u

Increased security

abuse and violence was more

u

frequent during COVID-19.

u

Process for banning customers

More than 1 out of 5 of

u

members (21.5%) said they had

MEMBER S STORIES

These are just a few examples of customer abuse that members have experienced: I was hit on the head with a pvc pipe, and had a packet of deadlocks thrown at me.

–Female Retail Employee, 26-35 Had a rock thrown at my car after leaving work.

–Male Retail employee, 26-35 I was grabbed by my throat by a male customer.

–Female Retail Employee, 26-35 I was copping verbal abuse from customers at least a couple times a week for doing my job, which culminated in being physically assaulted and suffering concussion. I was off work for a month.

–Male Retail Employee, 26-35

Training on how to deal

u

been coughed on or spat at

with customer aggression

during COVID-19.

or de-escalation

’CAUSE JULY 2021

9

SDA MEMBER BENEFITS

SDA members New get 15% off at

r SDA o f t fi e ben ers memb

TFE Hotels, headquartered in Australia, currently comprises 70 hotels in Australia and New Zealand under six brands.

And now, SDA members can receive special prices when booking at TFE Hotels in Australia or New Zealand, including Adina, Rendezvous, Vibe, Travelodge, Quincy and TFE Collections (The Calile, The Savoy, Hotel Kurunjang and The Hotel Britomart).

To receive your 15% discount on the best available room rates, simply go to tfehotels.com/en, and key in promo code TH61976.

tfehotels.com/en/

Just add promo code TH61976 here, and begin your search

Offer applies until 31 December 2021.

The Calile Hotel, Brisbane

The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins, Melbourne

Vibe Hotel, Darling Harbour, Sydney

Rendezvous Hotel, Perth Scarborough

Vibe Hotel, Melbourne

Adina Apartment Hotel, Brisbane

10 ’CAUSE JULY 2021

GRE AT NE W

SDA MEMBER BENEFITS

BENEFIT F OR SDA M E

MBERS!

knose Pet Care Made Easy

DISCOUNT PET INSURANCE FOR SDA MEMBERS

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.

’CAUSE JULY 2021

11

HEALTH AND SAFETY

COVID-19: ESSENTIAL FRONTLINE WORKERS NEED VACCINE PRIORITY included these groups, as well as ‘critical and high-risk workers’

BY ZAK HOLGATE, INDUSTRIAL OFFICER

but the phases have now been abandoned.

The SDA believes that many SDA members (eg supermarket and supermarket warehouse

Retail, fast food, warehousing and online-retail workers have been on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic, continuing to serve and provide essential services to Australians, risking their health and the health of their families to ensure our community has access to the necessities.

The SDA and the broader community believe Healthcare workers, the elderly and the immunocompromised must be the first groups to receive the vaccine as they are the most important and at-risk groups and need to be protected as soon as possible.

The originally-scheduled phases I and II of the vaccine roll-out

12 ’CAUSE JULY 2021

employees) are essential frontline workers who must be included in the list of critical and high-risk workers’ and receive priority in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

Our retail, fast food and warehousing workers have formed a critical part of Australia’s response to the pandemic and should have access to the vaccine as early as appropriately possible.

The SDA, along with the National Retail Association (NRA), have written to Prime Minister Scott Morrison urging him to consider essential frontline workers in the retail, fast food and warehousing industries as a priority.

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the SDA are also engaging the Government to prioritise frontline essential retail and warehouse workers.

The industries our members work in and the nature of their jobs means they have a higher level of exposure to people outside their family group than many other occupations. The SDA will be working with the ACTU and other unions to promote an appropriate priority list for phase II of the vaccine roll-out.

A supermarket or fast food checkout operator may come face to face with 200 people or more during the course of an eight-hour shift.

While the SDA recognises and supports the need for vulnerable elderly people and medical professionals to be vaccinated first, we submit that those who do not have the option of working from

SDA MEMBER BENEFITS

$80,0 free 00 Accident insurAnce up to

home, and who meet hundreds of people every day, should also be given priority access.

It is not just a question of the workers’ health and safety, but the health and safety of the community - a healthy workforce means a healthier and safer community.

For many years, all financial members of the SDA have been covered by the Union’s free Accident Insurance Scheme.

SDA members working in these essential frontline industries have also endured increased levels of violence and abuse because of the pandemic and a frustrated and anxious public.

The SDA works hard to continually improve our cover to provide additional benefits, as well as increasing the amount payable for injuries — still at no cost to you.

A recent SDA survey of 2,300 SDA members reveals that nearly 90 percent (87.92%) of them report being subject to verbal abuse with a quarter of respondents (25.07%) saying it has become a weekly occurrence.

What you save

A staggering one in five respondents (21.6%) report being coughed or spat on during COVID-19 - an unacceptable and dangerous statistic.

Members have stated, and it is reinforced by the evidence, that customer abuse and violence has increased in frequency during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The obvious and real health risks faced by SDA members and the increased instances of abuse and violence that have been exacerbated by the pandemic justify the SDA’s request to be amongst the industries considered for vaccine priority.

The SDA would like to thank our members for the work they have done over the last 16 months. We will keep fighting to ensure you are protected and safe at work.

The SDA Insurance Scheme is absolutely free for every financial member of the Union.

If you had to insure yourself with a similar type of policy, it would cost you more than $450 each year.

The buying power of more than 200,000 SDA members nationally enables the Union to cover you for free.

When are you covered?

The SDA Accident Insurance Scheme is intended to cover you at all times when you are not covered by workers’ compensation.

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-wide (subject to sanction exclusions), irrespective of where the accident occurs – absolutely free to every financial member of the SDA.

hoW to claim

If you suffer an injury, please contact the SDA for advice on the procedure to follow. Claims should be submitted within 30 days of the accident. The benefits of the SDA Accident 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: t

death,

t

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,

t

the loss of limbs, sight or hearing,

t

the complete or partial tear of achilles tendon, and

t

other defined injuries as listed in the policy,

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.

page135

’CAUSE JULY 2021

SDA PEOPLE

!

S N I W R E B M E M SDA RELIEVES SUSAN’S PAIN SDA member Susan recently ruptured her Achilles tendon.

As a result of her injury, she missed some shifts at work.

When SDA officials visited her store, they advised her to claim on the Union’s Accident Insurance Scheme, as all financial members of the SDA are automatically covered under the SDA’s policy.

The SDA’s Accident Insurance is completely free for members and is intended to cover you at all times when you are not covered by workers’ compensation.

Susan received $2,350.

LISA’S MEMBERSHIP PAYS OFF SDA member Lisa was employed by a national retail chain for over 20 years.

When the company decided to restructure, she was offered redundancy.

She sought the advice of her Union, the SDA – the Union for workers in retail, fast food and warehousing – and now has the money in her bank account.

Lisa says, “I was full-time and worked my way up from a casual.

From that time, I was always a Union member, never thinking I would need their advice. I guess the moral of this story is – join your Union – you never know when you may need help or advice. I got advice from my Union, now I am much better off. Thank you to my Union – the SDA. I am glad I stayed a member all these years.”

JAMES NEGOTIATES HIS WAY TO A BETTER CONTRACT! James is a permanent part-time worker who was presented with a new contract by his manager, but which didn’t suit his availability.

With the support and guidance of his Delegate, Lynette, James was able to secure a much more favourable contract, with only minor adjustments being made.

Well done, James!

14 ’CAUSE JULY 2021

SDA PEOPLE

HEALTH & SAFETY WIN FOR THE BAKEHOUSE! Over six months ago, a new oven was installed in the bakehouse where SDA members Steve and Jorja work.

Unfortunately, the new oven created condensation during the bread proofing process, leaving water pooled on the floor.

The bakehouse team members raised the slip hazard with management, but it wasn’t until they reached out to their Union for support that the issue was addressed and a new drain was installed; eliminating the hazard for workers in the bakehouse.

Well done, team, for looking out for the health and safety of each other!

JANELLE’S GIVEN A BREAK Did you know as an SDA member you are covered for accidents outside of work with the SDA’s Accident Insurance policy?

Recently, SDA Delegate, Janelle broke 4 metatarsal bones in her foot. She claimed on the Union’s accident insurance policy and was paid out $700.

If you had an accident outside of work and broken any bones, contact us to find out if you are eligible to claim on our insurance policy.

MORE CERTAINTY FOR SANDIE Sandie has worked as a casual at a major retailer for approximately 18 months.

As a hard-working single mum, being casual left her vulnerable in the quieter retail trading months, and made it difficult for her take time off with her son without a regular income.

Sandie spoke with her Union Delegate Jannette about trying to get a contract with better job security. With the guidance of their Organiser Deb, they put in a written request for a casual conversion.

The result was fantastic for Sandie who now has a permanent part-time contract of 24 hours per week, with all hours included within Sandie’s genuine availability.

Sandie is grateful for the stability of having a set number of hours per week, along with the added benefit of being able to access annual and sick leave if needed.

Sandie says she wants to thank her Union Delegate Jannette for all her support during the process and said she is “So glad she joined the Union as it pays to belong.”

’CAUSE JULY 2021

15

! e m i T n o i t i t e p It’s Com

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 20 August 2021 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.

16 ’CAUSE JULY 2021

SDA COMPETITIONS

FILL UP ON THE SDA! 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 20 August 2021 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!

Pauline Mason, Coles Valerie Gohl, Ritchies IGA Amber Charlton, Ice Box Liquor Chontelle Phillips, Coles Fiona Madafiglio, Big W Robert Vollmer, Hudson Building Supplies Laurel Thompson, Ritchies IGA Krystyna Sams, Bunnings Cameron Hudson, Kmart Rosaria Knott, Bunnings Breeanna Knight, Woolworths Melissa Jaggers, Dan Murphy’s Kim Lincoln, Woolworths

Yvonne Trialonas, Myer Sharon Ronson, Big W Jade Esteban, Coles Joanna Poole, Dotti Joy Ireland, Bunnings Denise Platts, Honorary Member Suzanne, Lomas, Woolworths Louisa Frail, Coles Sharon Parkinson, David Jones Helen Vilisoni, Officeworks Sharon Martinelli, Big W Fabio Paoletti, Coles Michelle McWilliams, Woolworths Michelle Fernance, Coles Amanda Martin, Woolworths Robyn Ray, Target Diane Barry, Bunnings

Frances Serone, Woolworths Natasha Jonker, Bunnings Jillian Cousins, Honorary Member Roslyn Spear, Bunnings Michele Davidge, Woolworths Melanie Little, Woolworths Lynda Mistelbauer, Big W Nadeene Mckinnon, Coles Sharyn Haigh, Woolworths Charlee Phillips, Coles

And these members will be filling up on us with a $150 fuel voucher: Donna Burton, Kmart Tania Heapy, The Reject Shop Helen Vilisoni, Officeworks Aileen Lewer, Bunnings Michelle Fittock, Strandbags ’CAUSE JULY 2021

17

RETIREMENT SAVINGS

SUPERANNUATION IS RECOVERING AND SHOULD BE PAID FOR EVERYONE

BY BRENDON LOTT, INDUSTRIAL OFFICER

A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT With 2020 behind us, it’s tempting to think that 2021 will see a return to ‘normal’. But with work and social lives changed, the 2020s will be different.

Through that kind of uncertainty and following a turbulent year for investment, it’s a comfort to know that our superannuation is recovering and our retirement income secure.

Rest Industry Super’s core strategy is recovering from the impact of the 2020 recession. Long-term performance has remained solid, returning +7.88% p.a. over the 10 years to December 2020.

Our retirement incomes, fortunately, are not reliant on a single year’s performance. They are long-term, meaning that if you’re young you gain the benefit of many years of compounding interest – interest on interest – and if you’re nearing retirement, any losses are cushioned by the impact of the interest gained in past years.

For the economy more broadly, the Australian stock market (ASX 300) has recovered and ended 2020 up by more than 40% from the absolute lows in March.

18 ’CAUSE JULY 2021

Australia’s handling of the health issues surrounding COVID-19 was and remains effective, however disruptive and varying it may have been.

SDA members in fast food, retail and warehousing have been an essential part of the community managing the pandemic.

The SDA also advocated for a wage subsidy, and the resulting JobKeeper, along with Australia’s health controls, are seen by economists world-wide as bright spots in the Australian market.

A WORLD-CLASS SUPERANNUATION SYSTEM Our market is also supported by a strong superannuation system. Our system is world-class because we start saving for our retirement early and it’s automated through our pay cycles; we save more than others do because the superannuation guarantee is set at a reasonable level and it is growing.

We buy assets with our retirement savings that are long-term (like property, infrastructure, energy and agriculture); and we invest our retirement savings in the kinds of assets that contribute to jobs.

However, through the pandemic, we also saw Australia’s superannuation system become a financial lifeline.

Rest Industry Super recently advised that since the Early Release of Super scheme started in April, the fund has released more than $3 billion of super – a lifeline to help around 300,000 of its members navigate through these difficult times.

While this may have been necessary for some, we shouldn’t have had to take funds from our retirement to pay for our costs now.

That should be the role of a wage subsidy in the context of the pandemic or Centrelink payments during other times.

Fundamentally, superannuation is a key safeguard to help ensure that we can enjoy the lifestyle we live today in our post-work years.

A SYSTEM UNDER POLITICAL ATTACK Despite having such a great system, the Australian Government continues to impose reforms that would lessen super’s effectiveness.

They rank us as ‘significantly strong’ (74.2% - this is 14.5% above the global average).

Two such possible policies proposals were, firstly, to ‘optout’ of superannuation guarantee contributions for those earning under $48K per annum and, secondly, to increase the minimum superannuation guarantee contributions threshold from earnings of $450 to $650 per month.

We can only achieve such a good system because our super is tucked away, and we gain from the power of compounding interest.

For those earning less than $48,000, the impact of opting out of superannuation contributions increases with:

This is known in global pension fund circles as the sustainability, adequacy, and integrity of our retirement system.

RETIREMENT SAVINGS

The amount of time between now and retirement. Data shows that $1 of missed contribution at age 20 is expected to accumulate to a reduction of almost $3 of projected retirement balance in today’s dollars. So, the younger you are, the worse this is for your retirement income.

u

The length of time that you are opting out. This will have an increasingly devastating impact, as missing out on superannuation contributions in the first five years of employment could lead to a reduction of projected retirement balance of $14%. So, the longer you opt out for, the worse this is for your retirement income.

u

Luckily, the second proposal was not only rejected, but the $450 per month threshold has also been deleted. Good news for employees earning below that amount per month. See the following pages for details.

However, instead of these kinds of proposals, the Government needs to look to reforms that would improve super’s effectiveness, like paying superannuation on every dollar we earn.

GETTING TO 12% Politicians know that 9.5% in superannuation payments is not enough and that is why their own superannuation scheme pays 15.4%.

The Australian superannuation guarantee is currently 9.5% but is due to rise to 12% over coming years starting with a 0.5% increase on 1 July this year.

WHY IS INCREASING THE SUPERANNUATION GUARANTEE A GOOD THING? Proceeding with the planned superannuation guarantee increase benefits not only individuals but the entire Australian community.

For a 25-year-old with an annual income of $35,000 and a current balance of $10,000, raising the superannuation guarantee will mean an additional $65,000 in retirement savings.

That might, for example, be the difference between getting to go interstate to see family each year rather than staying home.

The super increase also means more to invest back into Australian businesses, infrastructure and therefore, jobs.

While super is there to provide a sense of security in retirement, super funds also work to build the nation and the Australian economy, investing back into Australian businesses, shopping centres, roads, schools, ports and hospitals. All helping to create jobs and a sustainable future for our entire community.

Reduced contributions over the lifetime of a member will lead to a reduced retirement balance which results in reduced retirement income, increased reliance on the Government Age Pension and ultimately, the taxpayer.

SUPER FOR ALL Superannuation should be paid to everyone, including, those on parental leave, those who are earning less than $450 per calendar month, and those under 18 years of age.

Until we get paid super on every dollar we earn, we won’t be adequately saving for a retirement with our lifestyle retained.

In the last 18 years, the superannuation guarantee has risen by only 0.5%, yet the cost of living has inflated by 2-3% every year.

Coupled with the likelihood of a low-wage growth environment, created by the coronavirus pandemic, most Australians will be unable to save outside of super.

’CAUSE JULY 2021

19

RETIREMENT SAVINGS

UNION WIN – $450 SUPER THRESHOLD SCRAPPED 600,000 members collectively.

BY GERARD DWYER, NATIONAL SECRETARY

Our Superannuation system was established to provide a safety net for all working people in their retirement.

Superannuation is a vital means for our members to secure dignity when they retire and while we have a world class superannuation system, it needs to be made better for everyone.

The SDA has been campaigning to get rid of the $450 minimum earning threshold for superannuation through the “Stand Up For Super’ campaign because the policy is simply unfair for many workers.

The SDA was joined by the Australian Services Union (ASU) and the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) to launch the Stand Up For Super campaign and represent the

The old policy meant that there was no legal obligation for an employer to pay superannuation to an employee that earnt under $450 a month.

Working multiple jobs is becoming more and more common as underemployment continues to plague the Australian workforce.

This increases the likelihood of workers falling under the $450 minimum threshold with one employer, thus missing out on super payments.

This threshold disproportionally affected the most vulnerable workers in Australia – women, the young and low-income earners.

Scrapping the $450 minimum is a really important step towards making superannuation fairer for all Australians, because everyone deserves dignity in retirement.

As a result of this Union-driven win, all workers will receive superannuation, even if they earn less than $450 a month.

SDA members have been instrumental in achieving this outcome by making many

important contributions. This included visits to Canberra where SDA members were given the opportunity to speak to Members of Parliament and Senators and call for this change.

It is a big win for SDA members.

STAND UP FOR SUPER There is still much more to be done to ensure the superannuation system does not leave women and low-income earners worse off but this is a positive change and will make a material difference to the retirement savings of many workers.

Compulsory superannuation should be an essential entitlement to any worker, including those who are under 18 years old, those on parental leave and to those who are earning less than $450 per calendar month.

The Stand Up For Super campaign aims to achieve several other key objectives, which include: Protecting our universal superannuation system and rejecting any attempts to make super optional for Australian workers.

u

HOW SCRAPPING THE $450 THRESHOLD MAKES A DIFFERENCE Here’s what a rule change would mean to Susan, a 30-year-old woman with $50,000 in super who becomes a stay-at-home mum after having her first child.

UNDER THE CURRENT $450 THRESHOLD: Susan becomes a stay-at-home mum and switches to parttime employment, earning $449 per month, meaning that she is below the $450 threshold, so has no super guarantee entitlement. At the age of 40, her super is worth $57,561.

IF THRESHOLD IS DROPPED TO ZERO AS PER THE BUDGET: Susan becomes a stay-at-home mum and switches to part-time employment earning $449 per month, and but gets the full super guarantee entitlement.

By the age of 40, her super is worth $64,485.

20 ’CAUSE JULY 2021

RETIREMENT SAVINGS

Make this year, your year!

Any plan to make super optional for low-income workers and youth would particularly impact women and push many further into poverty when they reach retirement.

A staggering number of Australian workers withdrew money from their super accounts to cope with the financial strain caused by the pandemic.

Reduced super balances will make it very difficult for workers in our industries to fund their retirement.

Stop women retiring in poverty.

u

On average, women retire with around half of the retirement savings of men working in the same occupation. As a result, women are far more likely to experience poverty in retirement in their old age.

The superannuation structure is systematically biased against half the population.

The median women’s superannuation balance immediately prior to retirement is currently less than $80,000 which would fund less than three years of retirement, even on the most basic living standard.

Keeping to the promised Superannuation Contribution Guarantee rate increase to 12%

u

Research from Per Capita shows that a worker on the median wage has already lost over $4,000 in super since the Superannuation Guarantee freeze in 2014.

It is important, now more so than ever, for the rate to increase to 12% to help recoup the losses incurred after over 600,000 people emptied their super accounts to get through the COVID-19 crisis - workers now have less time to rebuild and save for retirement.

The superannuation guarantee must be increased to 12% on the promised and legislated timeline to ensure all Australians can rebuild their super accounts and retire with dignity.

This is unacceptable – we need immediate changes to abolish the gender pay gap and reform the current superannuation system.

Paying a superannuation contribution during the government’s paid parental leave scheme, and on any carer or family payments, is a good place to start if we want superannuation equality.

By creating an equal system for all workers, we ensure the superannuation system can create jobs, aid in boosting national savings, as well as securing dignified standards of retirement living for the entire Australian community.

Here are 3 ways we think you could get more out of your super

Super Connected Complete our super self-assessment in 5 minutes and 7 questions, on the Rest App

Super Savvy Avoid paying multiple fees by combining your funds into one super account

Super Smart Learn more about your investment options, in your own time, at your own pace via our learning centre.

go.rest.com.au/ new-year-new-start

Product issued by Retail Employees Superannuation Pty Limited ABN 39 001 987 739 as trustee of Retail Employees Superannuation Trust ABN 62 653 671 394.

Consider if it is appropriate for you and read the PDS available at rest.com.au/pds before ’CAUSE JULY 2021 23 deciding to join or stay.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Q+A... with

YOUR INFORMATION OFFICERS GEORGIA AND ISOBEL PAY SLIPS Q: What happens if I'm not given a pay slip?

A: Pay slips are vital to ensure that you, the employee, receive the correct pay and entitlements, and allow your employer to keep accurate and complete records. Your employer is bound by the Fair Work Regulations and, as such, is required to issue you with a pay slip. These pay slip requirements apply to all businesses, large or small, with failure to comply with these requirements often resulting in the Fair Work Ombudsmen issuing your employer an infringement notice.

It is also worth noting that employers have to keep time and wages records for seven years. These have to be legible, recorded in English and readily accessible to a Fair Work Inspector, if need be.

Time and wages records cannot be u changed unless the change is to correct an error; u false or misleading According to the regulations of the Fair Work Act, your employer, by law, must give you a pay slip within one working day of pay day, even if you're on leave.

Your employer must issue your pay slip in electronic format or hard copy. Electronic pay slips must contain the exact same information as paper pay slips and must be in an easily printable format.

UNION FEES An increase in Union fees took place on 1 July 2021.

The new fees are: Working under 10 hours per week $ 4.20 Working 10 hours or more but less than 20 hours per week $ 7.50 Working 20 hours or more per week $10.50 Fees are subject to periodic review.

These figures are correct as at 1/7/2021.

22 ’CAUSE JULY 2021

In addition to this, it is also a requirement of the Fair Work Regulations that a pay slip contains: u employer's name u employer's Australian Business Number (ABN) u employee’s name u pay period, e.g. From 04/01/2016 - To 10/01/2016 u date of payment u gross and net pay u if the employee is paid an hourly rate: n the ordinary hourly rate n the number of hours worked at that rate n the total dollar amount of pay at that rate u any loadings, allowances, penalty rates, bonuses, incentivebased payments or other paid entitlements that can be separated out from an employee's ordinary hourly rate u any deductions from the employee's pay, including: n the amount and details of each deduction n the name, or name and number of the account the deduction was paid into u any superannuation contributions paid, including: n the amount of contributions made during the pay period n the name, or name and number of the superannuation fund the contributions were made to We understand that mistakes can and do happen. The best way to fix up issues usually starts with talking. If you have any concerns or queries about your pay slips, leave balances, not being paid correctly, or you're having difficulty accessing your time and wage records, please call our office on 4961 4694 and speak to Isobel or Georgia, our friendly Information Officers.

SHOULD LEAVE BALANCES BE INCLUDED ON A PAY SLIP? While it is best practice to show an employee's leave balance on their pay slip, it is not a legal requirement. However, employers do need to tell employees their leave balance if asked.

If your employment is terminated, for whatever reason, or you resign from your position, your last pay slip should include the pay rate that applied on the last day of your employment.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

WORKPLACE SURVEILLANCE Q: Can management review CCTV of team members, and later threaten to discipline them? I am wondering if they can do this?

A: In NSW, the Workplace Surveillance Act 2005 specifies when and how

surveillance can be carried out in the workplace. Employers are using more and more surveillance at work to protect against theft and crime. Cameras have been used for many years in retail workplaces, however, with advances in technology, ‘surveillance’ may also include the use of other devices such as: u global positioning systems (GPS) for transport tracking u listening devices u telephones u computers – for example, to monitor employee’s access to inappropriate emails or websites u biometrics (technology that recognises people based on fingerprints, iris pattern, DNA, handwriting, etc) – commonly used in monitoring time and attendance of employees, as well as for security purposes.

OUR AWARDS & AGREEMENTS...

AWARDS n

General Retail Industry Award 2020

n

Fast Food Industry Award 2010

n

Storage Services & Wholesale Award 2020

n

Pharmacy Industry Award 2020

n

Pharmaceutical Industry Award 2020

n

Vehicle Repair, Service & Retail Award 2020

AGREEMENTS n

ALDI

n

Ali Baba

n

Baiada Steggles

The main methods include overt (you are aware of) and covert (you are not aware of).

n

Barbeques Galore

WHAT IS OVERT SURVEILLANCE?

n

Best & Less

Overt surveillance happens when an employer surveils employees, and the employees are notified of this action. Under the Workplace Surveillance Act 2005, overt surveillance is unlawful unless a minimum of 14 days’ notice has been given in advance prior to commencing the new surveillance.

For new employees, this notification must be served before they start.

The notice must contain details of: u What kind of surveillance is going to be used (video, audio, tracking) u When the surveillance will commence u Whether the surveillance will be intermittent or continuous u Whether the surveillance will be for a specific time or ongoing

n

Betts Shoes

n

Big W

n

Bunnings

n

BWS

n

Clifford Hallam Healthcare

n

Coles Supermarkets

n

Coles Express

n

Coles Liquor Group

n

Dan Murphy’s

n

David Jones

n

Dulux

n

Freedom Furniture

n

Harris Scarfe

n

Hungry Jack’s

n

Just Group

n

KFC

n

Kmart

n

Lovisa

n

Myer

n

Officeworks

n

Priceline

n

Prouds

n

The Reject Shop

n

Sanity

n

Super Retail Group

n

Target

n

Tasty Trucks

n

Woolworths Petrol

n

Woolworths Supermarkets

All surveillance is required to be placed in clearly visible places with signs indicating surveillance is taking place.

Aside from the above regulations, the Act specifically prohibits surveillance in certain areas. These include change rooms, toilets, showers or bathing facilities at a workplace.

WHAT IS COVERT SURVEILLANCE? Covert surveillance refers to surveillance that is undertaken without the knowledge of the employee(s). The Act strictly prohibits covert surveillance unless the employer obtains a ‘covert surveillance authority’ which has been issued by a Magistrate authorising the surveillance to determine whether the employee(s) are involved in unlawful activity at work.

When issuing a covert surveillance authority, the Magistrate will consider the following: u The seriousness of the unlawful activity u Whether it will affect the right to privacy of other employees in the area u Whether reasonable grounds exist to justify the surveillance authority WHAT CAN YOU DO AS AN EMPLOYEE IF YOU FEEL THAT THE LAW IS BEING BREACHED? Members often express concern that surveillance in their workplace is not used legitimately to protect people from harm, and property from theft or damage.

Too often the Union must intervene when employers discipline workers for work performance they have observed using surveillance.

In the Union’s view, this is an abuse of the original purpose of the law. It is a lazy substitute for managing, guiding and coaching workers on the job. If your employer is failing to train, support, coach and/or mentor you on the job and uses workplace surveillance to discipline you for allegedly poor job performance, give us a call.

’CAUSE JULY 2021 23

SDA PEOPLE

KARLA’S HERE TO HELP YOU! Hello there! My name is Karla.

I am the new recruiter for the Central Coast area.

I have been a member of the SDA for over 23 years and working in retail for almost 25 years, so I know first-hand the obstacles you face each day and the importance of the SDA in your workplaces.

I grew up in a hard-working, coal-mining family and, as such, the union movement has always had a presence in my life. Unions are the difference for many workers between a living wage and poverty.

My partner Michael and I have lived in the Hunter Valley all our lives so I am very familiar with the Branch areas. Together, we have raised a beautiful family and have also, just recently, added a super spoilt ‘fur baby’ to our family.

We cherish our family time and love to spend time together in the beautiful snowy mountains every year.

If we have learnt anything over the past 18months, it is how important family time is to us.

I’m so excited to be taking a new journey with the SDA Newcastle and Northern Branch.

I can’t wait to get out there and meet you all, hear your stories, and hopefully be able to help you.

Be smart on social media.

Be careful what you say on Facebook and other social media.

Comments on social media (including other people’s posts or Facebook 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 go home, leave work behind you.

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

24 ’CAUSE JULY 2021

SDA PEOPLE

WELCOMING LEIGHTON Hello, my name is Leighton Smith.

I am proud to introduce myself as your new Union Organiser for the northern Central Coast area.

I am so excited to be able to be a part of a Union which is doing great things.

I am truly honoured to have the opportunity to work with such an amazing, experienced, and diverse team.

I was born and raised in Raymond Terrace, a small suburb in Newcastle, and have lived around Newcastle, Port Stephens and the Hunter, and even Central Coast areas all of my life. This place has been my home since birth, and I love it!

My time outside of work is spent mostly with my beautiful wife and three gorgeous children, who are my world away from work. Family and extended family is of great importance to me, and this has stemmed from having a very large, very close family and the value of that being instilled in me from a young age.

Music is also a huge part of my life.

I am a musician and play in a few local acts, including a local covers band, and also write my own music.

I have released an independent album and hope to do so again in the future.

Over my time in the workforce, I have gained experience in different areas of several different industries.

I am a trade-qualified Baker and Pastry Chef, and have worked in small business and hospitality for short periods.

I worked with Woolworths for over 21 years in various roles such as an apprentice, trades person, manager in several areas, and in training and relief roles.

I also have six years as an operator in open cut mines, two years as a technical sales representative for a flour mill company, and three years as a risk, safety and compliance consultant and trainer.

During my time in these roles, I gained a qualification in Workplace Health and Safety (WH&S).

I am really interested in continuing to study and learn more about WH&S and organisational culture and the psychology around why we do things in the workplace and how it affects those arounds us.

I really believe in people being a product of their environment and that includes their workplaces.

Helping people in retail is my dream job and I will use every ounce of my experience, training, compassion and understanding to help members to the best of my ability.

Without the people working in retail, fast food and warehousing, these industries would be nothing so the people should be our number 1 priority!

I look forward to getting out and about and meeting those of you I have not met yet.

I am always up for a chat and happy to lend my ear to those with issues or queries, so don’t be scared to come and say ‘Hi’ and have a chat if you see me out in your store - even if you just want to talk about how the Knights went on the weekend!

See you all out and about soon!

If we provide poor conditions and poor environments to work in, it will affect the people working within them. It is how you treat people that matters most.

I am a huge supporter of educating our young people.

They are the future of our country and need to know why the Trade Union Movement is important and why they need to be a part of it.

The retail industry has featured heavily in my working life.

I really enjoy working in roles where I can build relationships with people.

I love the retail industry and I love people!

’CAUSE JULY 2021 25

If you

work in retail

it pays to learn what you can claim at tax time ■■ you

must have spent the money yourself and weren’t reimbursed ■■ it must be directly related to earning your income ■■ you must have a record to prove it.*

You can only claim the work-related part of expenses. You can’t claim a deduction for any part of the expense that relates to personal use.

* You can use the ATO app myDeductions tool to keep track of your expenses and receipts throughout the year.

Car expenses You can claim a deduction when you: ■■

drive between separate jobs on the same day – eg travelling to your second job as a waiter

■■

drive to and from an alternate workplace for the same employer on the same day – eg driving between separate retail stores for the same employer.

You generally can’t claim the cost of trips between home and work, even if you live a long way from your usual workplace or have to work outside normal business hours – eg late night shopping or weekend shifts.

If you claim car expenses, you need to keep a logbook to determine the work-related percentage, or be able to demonstrate to the ATO a reasonable calculation if you use the cents per kilometre method to claim.'

Clothing expenses You can claim a deduction for the cost of buying, hiring, mending or cleaning certain uniforms that are unique and distinctive to your job, or protective clothing that your employer requires you to wear.

You can’t claim a deduction for the cost of buying or cleaning plain clothing worn at work, even if your employer tells you to wear it, and even if you only wear it for work, eg, black pants and a white shirt or everyday clothing—even if it’s sold at the store you work for.

Still unsure about what you can claim?

Download the ATO’s retail work-related expenses guide at ato.gov.au/retail21 This is a general summary only.

Meal expenses You can claim a deduction for the cost of overtime meals on those occasions where: ■■

you worked overtime and took an overtime meal break, and

■■

your employer paid you an overtime meal allowance under an industrial law, award or agreement.

You can’t claim a deduction for the cost of meals eaten during a normal working day as it is a private expense, even if you receive an allowance to cover the meal expense.

Self-education expenses You can claim a deduction for self-education expenses if your course relates directly to your current job, eg a customer service course.

You can’t claim a deduction if your study is only related in a general way or is designed to help get you a new job, eg a health and wellbeing course.

Personal grooming You can’t claim a deduction for hairdressing, cosmetics, hair and skin care products, even if your employer tells you to use them and you work in a store that sells them – they are personal expenses.

Other common deductions As long as the expense relates to your employment, you can claim a deduction for the work-related portion of the cost of: ■■

seminars and conferences

■■

technical or professional publications

■■

■■

union and professional association fees phone and internet usage if your employer needs you to use your personal devices for work.

12:34 PM

Carrier

SNAP!!

SAVE STORE

SNAP!!

SAVE STORE Cost

$45.00 Date

10/04/2018 Description

Travel expenses

Is this partly a private cost?

Yes

No

What can you claim on your tax return?

100%

OR

Car

Other car expenses

26 ’CAUSE JULY 2021

100%

Add expense

$0.00

NAT 75022-05.2018 C127-00003a

To claim a deduction for workrelated expenses

YOUR ENITLEMENTS

CASUAL CONVERSION

BY BARBARA NEBART, BRANCH SECRETARY

Casuals around Australia and across a range of industries are experiencing a real crisis of insecure work.

The rate of young people and women engaging in casual work has increased – stripping job security, leave entitlements, pay and working conditions from Australian workers.

As casualisation of work continues to rise, the biggest concern is for the number of employees left without secure jobs in vulnerable industries like the retail and fast food industries.

Fortunately for our casual workers in Australia, the SDA – the Union for workers in retail, fast food and warehousing – fought hard, and was successful in securing a pathway out of insecure work to permanent employment using an entitlement known as ‘casual conversion’.

The introduction of a casual conversion clause into most Awards and Agreements, such as the General Retail Industry Award 2010 which covers many SDA members, gives casual workers the right to request to have their employment converted to full-time or part-time work if regular hours have been worked over a 12-month period.

To qualify for the casual conversion, a casual conversion clause must be included in the Award or Agreement which covers your workplace, and you must have “worked a pattern of hours on an ongoing basis which, without significant adjustment, the employee could continue to perform as a full-time or part-time employee” for a period of 12 months or more.

All conversion requests must be made in writing and provided to your employer.

The employer may agree or refuse the request in writing within 21 days, however, the request can only be refused on reasonable grounds.

The SDA encourages casual workers that are stuck in casual employment, and meet the necessary requirements, to make a request for conversion to permanent employment.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS After many attempts with multiple departments, Paxton, a member of the SDA, reached out to his Union for support in requesting to convert from casual to part-time.

Together with his Organiser, Paxton presented a letter to his manager, requesting his casual hours be converted into a part-time contract.

The employer accepted his request and offered Paxton a permanent parttime contract of 10 hours per week.

This provided Paxton with job security, permanent hours, and a regular income just like SDA member, Kiara.

Union member Kiara, had made several requests to convert to permanent part-time over a threeyear period, only to be refused by her employer each time. This meant Kiara had to seek additional employment to supplement her income.

With assistance from the SDA, Kiara was able to secure a contract of 22 hours per week and was able to co-ordinate these hours around her second job.

WE CAN HELP YOU It is important to remember that all casuals are entitled to the right to casual conversion. The SDA, alongside the ACTU and other unions, has fought to secure this right on behalf of all casual workers.

If you are casual and looking to convert to full-time or part-time employment, contact the Union for access to our casual conversion letter template.

The Union is here to assist and support all casual members with casual conversion requests, and can be contacted on 1300 SDA HELP (1300 732 4357).

SAVE ON TAX RETURN PREPARATION WITH THE INCOME TAX PROFESSIONALS SDA members and their families are entitled to a 10% discount on the standard price of the preparation of a tax return at an ITP participating branch. Members and their families are also entitled to a special 20% rebate on business tax returns*. And, as with Union fees, tax return preparation fees are 100% tax deductible. Choose to have your return completed in-person or online:  IN PERSON: Go to www.itp.com.au to find your nearest ITP location.  ONLINE: E-mail your name, contact number and postcode to sda@itp.com.au and we’ll be in touch with what we need to complete your return online. o You must present your current SDA membership card to receive the discount. *conditions apply 5 www.itp.com.au t 1800 367 487

’CAUSE JULY 2021 27

AROUND THE SHOPS

Cheryl from C oles casts her vote for H SRs in Januar y Isabel, Christopher and Sho

ntai at Hungr y Jack’s

Jaki, Kath and

rths g of Woolwo At the openin stle West Metro Newca

28 ’CAUSE JULY 2021

IGA Dele

Jackii at Kmar

gate Bay

ley

t

AROUND THE SHOPS

out and a bout with sda memb ers

Jarrad and

Benjamin at Kmart

opens uatali Nelmes N r o ay M rd Lo le West etro Newcast Woolworths M

IGA Delegate Ta

mmy

Jenn

yer ene and Toni at M

Rachelle and C oby at Officew orks

’CAUSE JULY 2021 29

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

SDA MEMBER BENEFITS

INTRODUCING OUR NEW DISCOUNT PROGRAM:

SDA Member Rewards The SDA doesn’t just fight to secure better pay and conditions at work, we also look to support you outside of it.

That’s why we also offer you a range of benefits as part of our commitment to making sure your SDA membership is value for money.

As our previous discount provider was making a number of changes to their program (including the removal of their voucher book), we have decided to trial a new and improved discount program to ensure you get the most out of your membership.

This year, we’re excited to launch a new discount program – SDA Member Rewards.

SDA Member Rewards is a fully digital benefits package and offers endless rewards and savings from Australia’s leading brands and products accessible anywhere, anytime, from any device.

» Household appliances, homewares," electronics and games which can be delivered to your home » Travel packages and restaurants

This means you will no longer receive a membership card and voucher booklet at the start of the year but that doesn’t mean you won’t have access to great discounts and offers.

Through SDA Member Rewards, SDA members can enjoy discounts and savings on: » eGift Cards for a range of popular retailers, services and more » Online Offers including discount codes and cashbacks

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.

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31

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.

32 ’CAUSE JULY 2021

15 vouche worth $ rs

SDA PEOPLE

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

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

Nobilo, Myer Erina

u Jennifer

Hewitt, Myer Charlestown

u Rae

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.

Hunt, Target Cessnock

u Heather

Filby, Coles Toukley

u Jennifer u Sandra u Susan u Trudi

Kentwell, Coles Muswellbrook

Spence, Big W Tuggerah

Logue, Coles Cessnock

McKinnon, Coles Swansea

u Fabio

Paoletti, Coles Edgeworth

u Susan

Halliday, Woolworths Kotara

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 May draw n n n n

Sierra-Leone Hancock, Jay Jays Jodie Dwyer, Millers Leilani Delaney, Peter Alexander Alexa Stewart, Woolworths

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

Myra Ball, Honorary Member

u

Kim Burton, Myer Erina

u

Robyn Morton, Honorary Member

u

Denis Mossner, Honorary Member

u

June Coutts, Honorary Member

u

Gilbert Hitchcock, Honorary Member

u

Suzanne Rodham, Honorary Member

u

Ernest Max Gibson, Honorary Member

u

Scott Newstead, Bunnings Singleton

u

Dianne Pittman, Woolworths Rutherford

u

Petara Hynds, Coles Morisset

u

Greg Brett, NOK of Theresa Brett, Honorary Member

u

Teresa Dobbie, NOK of Rebecca Dobbie, Big W Mount Hutton

u

John Gorman, NOK of Joan Gorman, Honorary Member

u

Brett Teasdell, NOK of Sandra Teasdell, Woolworths Toronto

u

Michelle Mitchell, NOK of Tenika Mitchell, Woolworths Warabrook

u

Mavis Jenkins, NOK of David Jenkins, Big W Charlestown

u

Brian Laytham, NOK of Sharon Laytham, Honorary Member

u

James Nelson, NOK Gail Shortman, Ritchies IGA Bateau Bay

u

Warren Owen, NOK of Sandra Owen, Honorary Member

’CAUSE JULY 2021 33

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

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

T R A I N I N G

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!

8%* discount off your

nib premiums.

Switching is easy, nib will contact your previous fund and take care of it all. nib lets you tailor the cover you need without paying for things you don’t!

Call nib and get your quote today on

1800 13 1 4 63 and quote ‘SDA’.

GET THE RIGHT COVER FOR YOUR HEALTH AND BUDGET EM_SDA NEWC Ad_185x85_1018_Print.indd 34 ’CAUSE JULY 2021

1

*Discounts vary on some products.

Overseas students health cover and international workers health insurance not included.

www.engagingmembers.com.au

30/10/18 4:56 pm

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 JULY 2021 35

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www.sdan.org.au 21019