Free Subscription

  • Access daily briefings and unlimited news articles

Premium

Only $39.95 per year
  • Quarterly magazine and digital
  • Indepth executive interviews
  • Unlimited news and insights
  • Expert opinion and analysis

Woolworths strikes new agreement with retail workers union

Woolworths ShutterstockWoolworths has reached an in-principle agreement with the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA).

The new agreement includes higher weekend penalty rates in return for cuts to workers’ base rates, bonus of up to $1100 for signing on to the agreement and protects take-home pay for existing employees.

It also ensures that all Woolworths workers receive pay rises.

SDA National Secretary Gerard Dwyer said that the new proposed agreement delivered on the four key priorities Woolworths staff had identified along with a strong range of above award conditions and entitlements.

“This new proposed agreement delivers the things Woolworths workers told us were important to them. Woolworths workers wanted to protect their take home pay, improve penalty rates, secure hard-won SDA conditions and ensure that all workers received pay rises. I’m pleased to say that this new proposed agreement delivers on all fronts,” Dwyer said.

The proposed agreement offers a one-off payment of up to $1,100 in cash and gift cards for Woolworths workers depending on hours worked and length of service.

Improved rostering arrangements for part time workers will also make it easier for casuals to convert to part time employment.

The “hard won” SDA conditions such as voluntary work on public holidays and a 15-minute tea break are also included as well as paid domestic violence leave.

Woolworths staff recently met across Australia to endorse the settled matters and to give guidance to the SDA on the outstanding matters.

“We’re pleased to report that the SDA delivered on almost all outstanding items and will be now be taking the proposal to workplace Delegates right across Australia at mass meetings next week,” Dwyer added.

Woolworths workers will have their final say on the agreement in October.

You have 3 free articles.