SDANEWS OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SHOP, DISTRIBUTIVE AND ALLIED EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION, NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH I WINTER 2017 I RRP $8.00
YOU’RE REPRESENTED BY PEOPLE LIKE YOU SEE PAGES 6-7
SHOP, DISTRIBUTIVE AND ALLIED EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION, NSW BRANCH
Australia needs
WWW.SDANSW.ORG.AU PHONE 131 SDA
Australia needs a pay rise.
STREET ADDRESS: Level 3, 8 Quay Street, Sydney NSW 2000 POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box K230, Haymarket NSW 1240 E-MAIL: secretary@sdansw.asn.au
The Governor of the Reserve Bank recently noted that wage growth was too low, workers should get paid more, but workers who feel insecure about their jobs are holding back from demanding more.
SDA NEWS EDITOR:
Bernie Smith, Level 3, 8 Quay Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Please address all correspondence to “The Secretary”.
UNION OFFICERS: SECRETARY: Bernie Smith ASSISTANT SECRETARY: Robert Tonkli PRESIDENT: Cheryl Cassell
ORGANISERS LEAD ORGANISER: Angela Ghanime
METROPOLITAN: Anthony Maiatico, Anthony Attard, Caroline Israel, Chris Stefanovski, Mina Papadopoulos, Tina Callaghan, Joel Tynan, Karl San Pedro, Anthony Day, Whitney Rizk, Alex del Rosario, Rayanne Li, Alison Varga, Susannah Hoffman, Josip Blazevic, Nathan Egan, Joe Rebbechi, Jessica Rebbechi, Ben Uphill.
REGIONAL: Lower South Coast, Southern Highlands & Canberra: Athol Williams, Narelle Atkins and Hugh McLaurin phone 6273 2300 Riverina (Wagga/Albury): Struan Timms phone 6921 8820 Western NSW (Orange/Dubbo): Louise Buesnell and Loretta Turner (part-time Organiser) phone 6362 1965 Far North Coast (Ballina/Tweed): Trevor McCosker phone 6686 4192 Wollongong & Illawarra: Vera Cavanagh and Di Dixon (part-time Organiser) phone 4228 3611 Coffs Harbour and Armidale Region: Mariusz Werstak and Bridget Sheridan phone 6650 9950 WAREHOUSING AND MANUFACTURING: Joseph Bourke, John Paul Sialafau, Alex Velickovic
SPECIALISTS INDUSTRIAL OFFICERS: Bernard Govind, Mitchell Worsley, Aliscia Di Mauro, Rose Ghabache, Monica Rose WORKERS’ COMPENSATION AND OHS OFFICERS: Michael Babic, Jane Lui SENIOR OPERATIONS OFFICER: Felicity Smithson OPERATIONS OFFICER: Phil Walker COMMUNICATIONS OFFICERS: Michael Walker, Peter Frawley, Paul Farrugia INFORMATION OFFICERS: Corrine Boyle, David Uzzell, Georgina Psillis, Renee Jaajaa, Nadia Olic, Nazih Azar, Jessica Chidiac EDUCATION OFFICER: Philippe LeCompte
The Governor of the Reserve Bank knows that if you cut people’s take home pay, they have less to spend in shops, fast food and cafes. He knows our economy is based on consumption and that lower wages mean less consumption and a shrinking economy. That means the cuts to Award penalty rates, which cut take-home pay, are bad for our economy as well as bad for workers.
SDA fights back on penalties and job security The SDA has appealed the decision to cut Award penalty rates. In the Federal Court appeal, the SDA will argue to restore penalty rates to protect those on low pay (see page 4). We will argue that the Fair Work Commission (FWC) did not properly take into account relative living standards and the needs of the low paid when they made a decision that cuts the take-home pay of low paid retail, hospitality and fast food workers. Watch this space. Unfortunately, the Turnbull Government refused to protect penalty rates or pay when the issue came up for a vote in parliament. Even worse, Malcolm Turnbull is promoting temporary “jobs” in retail that effectively pay as low as $4 per hour. The PaTH scheme will undercut already low-paid workers. Unfortunately, this short-sighted policy will not be a PaTH to work but instead a PaTH to poverty!
SDA wins for casuals — more to come The SDA has had three recent big wins in the FWC for casuals who work on the Award for retail or fast food:
Increased penalty rates for casuals who work outside the normal span of hours, with overtime penalty rates now payable;
ds wage rises to help the economy Secured minimum hours of work per day in fast food. We have kept the minimum three-hour shift that some employers were trying to reduce to as little as 15 minutes; and Won access to secure permanent work for regular casual employees. Regular casuals will have a right to seek to convert their employment from casual to permanent employment See pages 10-11 for more information on these successes.
We have met with SafeWork NSW on the issue of customer abuse and violence.
The SDA is also currently arguing in the FWC for higher penalty rates for casual employees on weeknights and weekends.
Farewell and thanks to some hard workers
Back to the bargaining table
Over the last six months, the SDA NSW Branch has secured over $480,000 in additional redundancy payments for members above their minimum entitlements.
At the same time as the SDA is arguing to keep Sunday penalty rates in Awards and increase casual penalty rates, we have started to bargain for a new Coles Agreement (see page 5). Your SDA Coles Delegates across NSW and the ACT have strongly endorsed that the SDA’s priorities in bargaining a new Coles Agreement must be to: Protect members’ take-home pay; Improve penalty rates; and Secure the current hard-won SDA conditions These negotiations will not be easy, but the strong and united support of Delegates and a growing number of SDA members will help secure a good outcome with a new EBA.
Once finalised, a new Coles Agreement, as with all SDA Agreements, will go back to a vote of all members to have the final say. At the time of writing there are a large number of companies with which we are negotiating new EBAs, but there is more to do. The SDA has secured a number of pay rises both in the Award (see page 10) and for members covered by Agreements at Bunnings, Kmart, Coles Express, Myer, McDonald’s, KFC, Hungry Jack’s and a number of IGAs. It is a good start, but there is much more to do to secure all members a pay rise.
Safety still a concern
The SDA and SafeWork are keen to work together, and also with responsible employers, to address customer abuse and return more respect to our workplaces. Keep an eye out for the SDA material on customer abuse in August.
A big thank you and best wishes to the 22 members at Big W Coffs Harbour who have recently taken a redundancy. The store has now closed after 30 years of trading. A special thank you to the store Delegates throughout those 30 years. We also thank all Target members who have taken up the recent offers of redundancy. You gave your company and your customers great service. We wish you all the best. However, we are also helping a number of members at Target who have not accepted the redundancy offer. The SDA took a dispute to the FWC and at the time of writing we are still assisting a number of members with outstanding issues at Target. We also wish other members who have recently taken a redundancy every best wish for the future. It is times like this when members need a helping hand. Finally, an extra big thank you to recently retired SDA employees and officials Paul Mitchell, Helen Carroll and Ian Blandthorn. Over many years you each gave so much of yourself in different ways to our members. On behalf of all SDA members, we wish each of you long and very happy retirements!
In August, the SDA will be visiting workplaces across NSW and the ACT as part of our regular Safety Demands Action campaign. A key issue will be customer abuse and violence. We will have some practical tools for members to report customer abuse so we can address it (see pages 20-21).
Bernie Smith, Branch Secretary
SDA NEWS I WINTER 2017 I PAGE 3
PENALTY RATES BATTLE CONTINUES The fight to protect penalty rates is far from over, as the SDA steps up the campaign in local communities across the country. On 23 February 2017, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) handed down a decision to cut Sunday and public holiday penalty rates for retail, fast food, pharmacy and hospitality workers covered by Awards from 1 July this year. A further Decision was made by the FWC on 6 June 2017 to phase in the Sunday penalty rate cuts over four years in the Retail and Pharmacy Modern Awards, and three years in the Fast Food and Hospitality sectors. However, the public holiday penalty rates cuts came into force immediately from 1 July 2017 and do not have a phase-in period. SDA National Secretary Gerard Dwyer says Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has the power to reverse the penalty rate cuts, and the Union will continue to put pressure on him to step up and protect the wages of many thousands of workers. “Hard working retail and fast food employees stand to lose between $2,000
PAGE 4 I WINTER 2017 I SDA NEWS
and $6,000 every year due to the penalty rate cuts which are fully supported by the Turnbull Government. “The Turnbull Government has failed to stand up for working families at every opportunity. “While they continue to turn their backs on Australian workers who are already struggling with record low wages growth, the SDA will continue to defend fair penalty rates,” said Gerard. The SDA ran a massive advertising blitz throughout May, including radio, digital and social media ads, along with mobile and static billboards, to raise awareness of this critical issue. There was no stone left unturned as we put penalty rates front and centre in the newspapers, on the airwaves, out in the community, in your Facebook feed and on the shop floor. We need the community to continue to stand with us on this important issue. You can help by joining the campaign at www.protectpenaltyrates.org.au.
FILED IN FEDERAL COURT
SDA APPEALS DECISION The Commission’s decision to cut penalty rates is unfair, and will not just affect retail, fast food and pharmacy workers covered by Awards who will be impacted by these cuts – eventually, it will reduce the fair wages SDA members have bargained for over many years in Agreements too. That’s why the SDA has appealed the decision through a Judicial Review in the Federal Court. It is the SDA’s firm position to stop these cuts and protect your take-home pay. United Voice, the union for hospitality workers, is also appealing the decision. We will continue to update members as the Judicial Review progresses.
Securing pay and condiƟons at Coles The SDA is now negotiating with Coles for a new Coles Agreement.
by Bernie Smith Branch Secretary
We are working hard to secure fair and decent wages and conditions for all Coles workers.
At a time of record low wage growth and with penalty rates under attack, our priorities will be:
Protecting take-home pay
Improving penalty rates and;
Securing current conditions hard-won by SDA members
There’s nothing more important than a fair and decent wage, which is why our priority is to protect take-home pay for existing employees. For decades, SDA members at Coles have helped to secure critical entitlements.
These range from strong rostering provisions to paid breaks and voluntary work on all public holidays. We will continue our work to protect and improve these conditions at the negotiating table.
Where we’re at SDA Coles Delegates met in Sydney in June (pictured below) and overwhelmingly endorsed the approach we are taking to the company. At the time SDA News went to press, the company had provided their opening position and the SDA had responded with our list of claims. Progress had been made in relation to improved penalty rates and protections for take home pay.
We thank our SDA Delegates and members for their support and hard work to ensure Coles workers get a fair go.
Once finalised, the proposed Agreement will go to a vote of all employees who will have the final say when it comes to any new Coles Agreement.
If you have any questions please speak to your Delegate, Organiser or call the SDA. You can follow the latest in the negotiations at www.sda.com.au/coles
SDA NEWS I WINTER 2017 I PAGE 5
YOUR MEMBER-LED UNION CHERYL CASSELL, BRANCH PRESIDENT
MARIA DUMYCZ, VICE PRESIDENT
Cheryl works at Woolworths in Nowra. She was elected to
Maria works at Big W in Merrylands in Western Sydney,
her first term of office on the Branch Council in December
and was elected to her first term of office on the Branch
2002. She became a store Delegate in June 1995, and
Council in December 2014. She became a store Delegate
remembers when her wages were governed by the State
in November 2006 in the middle of the Your Rights at Work
Shop Award. She and her workmates now work under
campaign that, a year later, brought about a change
the ninth-generation Woolworths Supermarkets
in government. Maria keeps her store well organised.
Enterprise Agreement. Cheryl is a strong defender
It must have a good workplace culture as Maria’s
of the rights of her workmates and knows that
daughter also works at the store — parents only
the SDA is strong and effective because it is
allow their children to work somewhere that they
well organised and disciplined.
feel they will be safe and treated fairly!
BERNIE SMITH, BRANCH SECRETARY
ROBERT TONKLI, ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Bernie Smith is the Secretary of the SDA NSW Branch.
Robert Tonkli is the Assistant Secretary of the SDA NSW
Bernie started working in the retail industry at
Branch. He has worked in the retail and warehousing
Woolworths when he was 15, and joined the SDA at the
industries, including working at a newsagency,
same time. Bernie has worked in fast food, on loading
a bottleshop and a warehouse. Robert is a Solicitor,
docks, liquor stores and supermarkets. Bernie became
registered with the NSW Law Society. He commenced as
more active in the SDA as a workplace Delegate after
an official with the Branch in 1998 when he started as
seeing the SDA assist his brother in a workplace
an Organiser, and then became an Industrial
dispute. He has been an official since 1995
Officer. Robert has been on Branch Council
and been on Branch Council since 2005.
since 2015.
MEL HACKETT, COLES LISMORE
PAULINE AVELLINO, SUSSAN WAREHOUSE
Branch Councillor since 2014
Branch Councillor since 2014
HEATHER THOMAS, KMART TAMWORTH
SUZANNE BARROS, MYER HORNSBY
Branch Trustee since 2003
Branch Councillor since 2010
PAGE 6 I WINTER 2017 I SDA NEWS
The SDA’s governing body is the Branch Council, made up of 18 members who work in stores and warehouses around NSW and the ACT, plus the Branch Secretary and Assistant Secretary, both of whom also worked on the shop floor before they came to work full-time for the Union. Here, we introduce you to the current Branch Councillors who oversee the Union’s activities.
JULIE SLENDER, TARGET CAMPBELLTOWN MALL Branch Councillor since 2014
CAROL WILLIAMS, COLES ARMIDALE
ANN APPS, WOOLWORTHS CAMDEN
Branch Councillor since 2014
Branch Councillor since 2014
SAM SAMMAK, GSK ERMINGTON
MICHELE DOHERTY, TARGET MACQUARIE
Branch Councillor since 2014
Branch Councillor (Retail Membership) since 2014
MOIRA HAGLEY, IGA COFFS HARBOUR Branch Trustee since 1999
NARELLE ATKINS, Branch Councillor since 2014
DAVID ROBINS, THIRD PARTY DISTRIBUTION CENTRE Branch Councillor since 2014
ADAMINA MANOS, WOOLWORTHS BANKSTOWN Branch Councillor since 2014
NAYFEH RIZK, IGA BANKSTOWN Branch Councillor since 2014
SDA NEWS I WINTER 2017 I PAGE 7
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Keeping you covered on your journey The SDA’s journey claim insurance covers you for journey claims that are no longer covered under the NSW workers’ compensaƟon system. SPECIAL CAR AND MOTORHOME RENTAL RATES PLUS BONUS OFFERS FOR SDA NSW MEMBERS.
Simply log on to https://www.sdansw.org.au to view or claim offers.
PAGE 8 I WINTER 2017 I SDA NEWS
Offers correct at time of printing. For the latest listing and terms and conditons please refer to the SDA website.
Every SDA member in NSW* is covered by our free journey insurance as part of their Union membership. It’s absolutely free for every financial member of the Union. The SDA’s Accident Insurance Scheme is intended to cover you at all Ɵmes when you are not covered by workers’ compensaƟon. In this way, you have 24-hour cover: workers’ compensaƟon while at work, and the SDA Accident Insurance Scheme at other Ɵmes. *ACT members are covered for journey claims under the ACT’s workers’ compensaƟon laws.
We need thermal comfort limits by Robert Tonkli Assistant Secretary
The SDA’s Safety Demands Action workplace health and safety survey has shown that workplace heat issues are a major safety concern for our members.
In last year’s survey, more than 1,700 participants raised concerns about temperatures in their workplace. When the responses were adjusted to remove airconditioned workplaces from the survey, heat concerns reported by SDA members rose dramatically, with more than two thirds of the remaining participants expressing a concern. Rising temperatures in the workplace can lead to serious short-term and long-term health effects, including heat stroke, fatigue, visual disturbances, dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle cramps, breathlessness, palpitations, tingling and numbness of the hands and feet.
AcƟve in workplaces As temperatures become more extreme, particularly during the summer months, the SDA has been active at specific workplaces to make sure actions are taken to ensure the safety of members who work in environments that are not temperature controlled.
This has included working with employers to use low-level control measures such as extra breaks, placing of fans at workstations, distribution of water bottles and rotating workers so that heavier manual tasks are done during the cooler parts of the day.
EnlisƟng help to resolve the issue However, low-level control measures do not resolve ongoing heat issues in non-climate controlled closed working environments. And employers are often reluctant to modify buildings or install air conditioning because of the cost. Because of this, the SDA has engaged with SafeWork NSW and other Union stakeholders to address the issue. The SDA has had input into new guidance material being developed by SafeWork
NSW on work/rest regimes for hot conditions, and a guide for determining what is reasonable thermal comfort. However, the SDA has called for more to be done to safeguard workers’ safety during extreme conditions. Ultimately, this should include clear limits when it is no longer safe to work. The reality for retail workers is that they often work without airconditioning and, as recent examples have shown, have had to suffer through unsafe working conditions, including working in temperatures in excess of 35ºC. This is unacceptable, unsafe and needs to stop. The SDA will continue to engage with SafeWork NSW and the broader Union movement to help secure better outcomes for members working in hot environments.
The SDA is working for you in t
Two important cases were decided in the Fair Work Commission (FWC) in recent weeks.
the minimum wage is the base from which wages in SDA Agreements are negotiated.
3.3% pay increase for Award workers
Unions participate in this case each year, presenting arguments for the amount of the increase. Employer groups also argue about the correct amount. They often argue that there should be no increase, and this year argued for an increase of between 1.2% and 1.5%. While unions had argued for more than 3.3%, it is still a good outcome.
In its annual review of Award wages, the FWC decided to grant a 3.3% increase to workers employed under Awards, including the General Retail Award, the Fast Food Award and the Factories Award, applicable from 1 July. This directly affects workers whose conditions are decided by Awards, which includes SDA members at Spotlight and at many IGAs. The majority of SDA members’ pay and conditions are set by Enterprise Agreements that are specific to their employer. However, even though the decision does not affect workers on Agreements directly, it does indirectly because
PAGE 10 I WINTER 2017 I SDA NEWS
The SDA and other unions always put forward a strong case to raise the National Minimum Wage and Award rates, because when wages are improved in Modern Awards, the wages floor in Workplace Agreements is also improved.
better rights for casual workers employed under Awards. The SDA successfully:
Secured overtime rates of pay for casual retail, fast food and hair and beauty workers.
This means if you’re a casual and you work outside the span of hours and/or in excess of prescribed hours per day, you will receive a higher rate of pay.
Defeated attempts by employer groups to abolish the minimum three-hour shifts for casual fast food workers.
Three-hour minimum shifts are essential to providing casuals with security around hours and pay.
Extra rights for casual employees
The ACTU, with the SDA, was also successful
In a separate case decided by the FWC in July, the Union largely won its claim for
to convert from casual to permanent work in
in the case to secure rights for casual workers all Modern Awards.
n the Fair Work Commission why do we need wage rises? Wages growth in Australia is at record lows. From March 2016 to March 2017, wages only rose by 1.9% (all sectors) and by an even lower rate of 1.7% in the private sector where SDA members work. This is the slowest growth ever recorded in Australian history. While productivity and profits continue to increase, wages are not lifting at the same rate. This means workers are working harder than ever before but are not receiving their fair share of the pie. Wage growth is crucial for workers to keep up with the cost of living. The cost of living continues to go up – from the price of groceries to electricity bills to university fees and health insurance. If wages fall behind, workers fall behind and it becomes harder and harder for ordinary Australians to get by. Australia is at real risk of becoming more like America, where lower-skilled For the first time, subject to certain conditions and 12 months’ service, casuals will have
workers are paid extremely low wages forcing them to work several jobs just to get by.
rights to request to convert from casual to
A fair and decent wage is core business for the SDA. We argue for decent
permanent work.
wages for workers because a living wage is needed to provide for themselves, their family and their future.
The changes will come into effect in Modern Awards in the coming months.
Regular pay rises also help to drive the economy. If workers’ wages fall, then their capacity to spend in local shops,
These are important first steps to address our growing casualised workforce and turn around job insecurity. Unions will now continue our work to tackle problems facing casual workers.
businesses, restaurants and cafes is reduced. This has a negative impact on local businesses and the economy as people have less to spend. The end result is a weaker economy and poorer communities.
Securing these important protections for
There can be no boost to the
casual workers in Awards will help improve
economy or boost to businesses
rights for casual workers in negotiations over future SDA Agreements. A full copy of the decision is available at https://www.fwc.gov.au/documents/ decision_summaries/2017fwcfb3541-
or more jobs without wages growth to drive it. That’s why the SDA continues to fight for fair pay for SDA members.
summary.pdf
SDA NEWS I WINTER 2017 I PAGE 11
Union acƟon saves paid parental leave The Turnbull Government has backed down from their proposed cuts to Paid Parental Leave. The changes that by Monica Rose, were proposed Industrial Officer by the Federal Government would have forced retail workers back to work earlier after having a baby. Unions, including the SDA, played a key role in protecting the current Paid Parental Leave Scheme by campaigning and lobbying key Senators. There were two key pieces of legislation put to Parliament by the Liberal Government
that sought to strip away important entitlements for working families such as Paid Parental Leave:
employers and the community. It was introduced by former Prime Minister Julia Gillard in 2011.
the Fairer Paid Parental Leave Bill 2016, and
Unfair proposal defeated
the Social Services Legislation Amendment (Omnibus Savings and Childcare Reform) Bill 2017.
Government parental leave payment by the
The proposed cuts would have denied retail workers access to both Paid Parental Leave from the Government and their employer. The current Paid Parental Leave scheme was designed to provide new parents with 26 weeks off — as recommended by the World Health Organisation — through a partnership between the Government,
The Liberals’ proposal was to cut the number of weeks’ parental pay an employee receives from their employer. If this had become law, many retail workers would have been significantly worse off. Paid Parental Leave is now protected, as both Bills have been taken off the table by the Federal Government. Further to this, there were no new cuts or changes introduced in the Federal Budget handed down in May this year.
PAID PARENTAL LEAVE ! D E T C E PROT
THE UNION FOR WORKERS IN RETAIL.FAST FOOD. WAREHOUSING
PAGE 12 I WINTER 2017 I SDA NEWS
Give ANZAC Day the respect it deserves Bert turned 100 years old last year. This is a fantastic outcome for retail workers who can now be certain of their Paid Parental Leave entitlements if they are expecting a child.
In April, he wrote a guest column for the Sydney Morning Herald calling for shops to go back to being closed all day on ANZAC Day, as used to be the case. It lacks respect, Bert said, to reopen the shops and go back to chasing dollars the moment the parade finishes.
A strong campign The SDA ran a strong campaign to gain public support to protect the current Paid Parental Leave Scheme and lobbied key Senators to secure their support.
ANZAC Day is a vibrant part of Australia’s national life. It’s a day to honour not just the fallen, whose sacrifices allowed this nation to become the beacon that it is, but all past and present armed servicemen and women who are ready to put their lives on the line if called upon.
A postcard campaign was run in key regions in Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia. Over 1,300 South Australians called on the Nick Xenophon Team Senators to commit to their election promise not to change Paid Parental leave. Without support from the Nick Xenophon Team, the cuts were unable to pass in Parliament and now the cuts have been dropped by the Liberal Government. Thank you to SDA members who supported the campaign by signing the postcards and spreading awareness about this important issue. Standing up to protect Paid Parental Leave together has helped to secure a fair scheme that gives new parents the time they need with their newborn.
Bert Collins worked for fifty years at Farmers (now Myer) Sydney City on the corner of George and Market Streets, where he was the head Delegate for several decades. The only interruption to his service was when he enlisted in the armed services during World War II and was stationed in New Guinea.
SDA supports full-day shop closing SDA Delegates around New South Wales have unanimously supported a motion to properly recognise ANZAC Day with a full day holiday. The Union continues to talk to other community groups to build support for this change.
Read Bert’s full article on the Sydney Morning Herald website by visiting http://bit.ly/2qzz7Ic or scanning the QR code below:
Need help or advice about taking parental leave? Call the SDA.
SDA NEWS I WINTER 2017 I PAGE 13
Supporting our community Each year, the SDA supports a number of charities. One is the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. The hospital is supported with the proceeds of our raffle and
PAGE 14 I WINTER 2017 I SDA NEWS
sweepstakes at the Sydney Picnic Day event. Last year’s event raised more than $3,000 which was matched by the SDA for a total donation of more than $6,180. Thank you to all our members and
Delegates on the cruise for your support of this good cause. Branch Secretary Bernie Smith is pictured below presenting the cheque to Des Poeling-Oer from the Children’s Hospital.
We all know that person: the one who has never joined the Union, despite being asked multiple times. Maybe they “don’t believe in it�, maybe they had some bad experience in the past, whatever the reason, it sounds like it is not negotiable. Well, never write someone off or underestimate their ability by Anthony Day, Organiser
to see the light! In one of my stores recently we had such a person who had
held out for years. Luckily the store Delegate was persistent and eventually persuaded this person to become a member. Lo and behold, not long afterwards, she had an issue of being bullied by another person in the store. The Union stepped in and resolved it, and as a result this same person who had been one of the store’s biggest naysayers is now a champion for the SDA and what it can do for her workmates. The moral of the story is, even when you think you know what answer you’re going to get, you just never know!
SDA PUBLICATIONS
SDA SERVICES & BENEFITS
The Union publishes a number of booklets and brochures that are available to members free of charge. These publications contain up-to-date information about issues in the workplace, as well as work/life balance.
WIN ONE OF 1,800 TEXTBOOK VOUCHERS!
A QUICK GUIDE TO...
SECONDARY VOUCHERS EACH VALUED AT
$
80
PARENTAL PAYMENTS
TERTIARY VOUCHERS EACH VALUED AT
100
$
Education costs continue to rise for our members. These WHERE A VOUCHER costs occur throughout the year, and can put further CAN BE REDEEMED strain on an already stretched budget. For these reasons, Vouchers are redeemable by personal presentation, the Union believes it is important that we continue to mail or telephone order as follows: support the educational needs of our members. Q Officeworks – through any Officeworks store Q Dymocks – through any Dymocks Bookstore 600 TEXTBOOK VOUCHERS TO BE GIVEN AWAY THREE TIMES A YEAR Q Uni Co-op – at any NSW or ACT Branch For many years, the Union has provided free SDA Textbook of University Co-operative Bookshop Ltd Vouchers. The Vouchers are available to SDA members Q UniShop – Wollongong UniShop who are students, or parents who are members and Q UNSW – The University of NSW Bookshop nominate a dependent family member who is a student. Q UNE – The University of New England Bookshop This year, the SDA is offering a total of 1,800 free Textbook Q UWS Connect Books Vouchers. Those for secondary students are valued at $80 each, while those for tertiary students are valued at HOW TO APPLY $100 each. 600 winners are selected by ballot in February, Q Apply online at www.sdansw.org.au; or Q Complete the application form overleaf, and July and December each year. return it to the SDA. To ensure that the Vouchers are shared around, members may only win one Voucher in any calendar year.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE The Vouchers are available to all members of the SDA who are students at any level of study. They are also available to members of the Union who nominate a dependent family member who is a student at any level of study.
HOW A VOUCHER CAN BE USED
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR SECRETARY, BERNIE SMITH Meeting educational costs is a challenge for members and their families, so the SDA has offered textbook vouchers for many years to help ease this pressure.
Vouchers can be used to purchase textbooks and school requisites.
HOW WINNERS ARE DECIDED Winners will be decided by a ballot of applications each February, July and December, and will be notified personally by the Union.
GENERAL SHOPS
EASTER 2016
union picnic day 2016
Public Holidays & Trading Hours IN NEW SOUTH WALES
CRUISE INTO FUN AND FASHION! Harbour Cruise on Starship Sydney, Melbourne Cup Day, Tuesday 1 November 2016 This year, NSW shop assistants Picnic Day falls on Tuesday 1 November.
general sale Tickets go on Thursday at 9.00am on but hurry – 1 September – fast! they’ll sell out
Sydney function The SDA Union Picnic Day event for members in Sydney and Illawarra will be held on Sydney Harbour, aboard the Starship Sydney. The cruise departs from King Street Wharf at noon sharp, and returns at 5.00pm. For $55 per SDA member/$80 for non-member guests who work in an industry that the SDA does not cover#, our Picnic Day function includes: Buffet lunch; Two complimentary drinks; Sweepstakes; Raffle and prizes; Live coverage of the Flemington races.
Transport
SDA members can obtain copies of various publications from their Union Delegate or Organiser. Alternatively, contact the Union office and they will be mailed to your home address. Some are available from the InfoNet section of the SDA’s website.
As in previous years, the SDA will be providing a limited number of charter buses to the event. Buses will drop off and pick up just metres from King Street Wharf. Alternatively, you can catch a train to Wynyard Station, and join the rest of the group at King Street Wharf before midday.
Tickets Tickets can be ordered by:
credit card details to: SDA, PO Box K230, Haymarket NSW 1240.
People who are eligible to be an SDA member but have elected not to join
SAFE AT YourRights LongServiceLeaveinNSW InfoSheet 10
Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association, NSW Branch
WHEN IS AN EMPLOYEE ENTITLED TO LONG SERVICE LEAVE?
X
Phone 131 SDA (that’s 131 732)
Any employee, whether full-time, parttime or casual, and regardless of age, who has ten years of continuous service with their employer is entitled to two months (8.67 weeks) of long service leave.
X
Fax (02) 9281 7050
Continuous service is also achieved if:
X
Write to: PO Box K230 Haymarket NSW 1240
X
E-mail secretary@sdansw.asn.au
X
Log onto www.sdansw.org.au
Q
you transfer your employment between companies within the same group;
Q
your employer’s business is sold and you continue to work for the new owner running the same business.
A Message from your Secretary, Bernie Smith
If you have more than ten years but less than 15 years of service, your long service leave entitlement continues to accrue on a pro-rata basis. For service in excess of 15 years, long service leave is calculated on completed years of service only. IS THERE A LONG SERVICE LEAVE ENTITLEMENT FOR LESS THAN TEN YEARS OF SERVICE? Yes, if you have completed five years (but less than ten years) of service, you are entitled to a long service pro-rata payment if you:
No matter how old you are or on what basis you are employed, every
Q
employee in NSW is entitled to paid long service leave after ten years’
resign as a result of domestic or other pressing necessity; are dismissed for any reason except serious and wilful misconduct;
Q
die.
from work for rest, recuperation and recreation. If you have an issue with securing your correct long service leave entitlement, the Union is here to provide expert advice and assistance.
work on account of illness or workers’ compensation, you are entitled to count the period of such absence when calculating your length of service. However, some unpaid absences, such as parental leave, are not counted as time worked. These absences are not included in your period of service when calculating long service leave. HOW MUCH LONG SERVICE LEAVE HAVE YOU ACCRUED? After ten years’ continuous service, you are entitled to 8.67 weeks of long service leave. To calculate how much long service leave you have accrued, use the long service leave table overleaf or visit the SDA website members section to use the long service leave calculator. HOW CAN IT BE TAKEN? Long service leave can be taken in one continuous period of leave, or if you and the employer agree: Q
where the leave owing is two months – in two separate periods;
Q
where the leave owing is between two months and 19½ weeks – in two or three separate periods;
Q
where the leave exceeds 19½ weeks – in two, three or four separate periods.
resign as a result of illness or incapacity;
Q
Q
continuous service with their employer. This entitlement provides time away
HOW IS LONG SERVICE LEAVE PAID? Long service leave pay is based on whichever is the highest rate:
IF I TAKE LEAVE, DOES IT BREAK THE CONTINUITY OF MY SERVICE?
Q
your ordinary pay for the last pay period prior to the leave being taken; or
Employer-approved absences from work do not break the continuity of your service. In addition, if you are absent from
Q
your average weekly ordinary rate of pay earned during the previous five years.
HOME SAFE AT WORK YOUR ROLE AS AN SDA DELEGATE OR HSR
For those experiencing domestic/family violence, maintaining paid employment and financial independence is vital to providing choices to deal with their situation and successfully breaking the cycle of domestic violence. The impact of domestic violence on an employee’s attendance and performance can seriously jeopardise their employment. If you or someone in your workplace is affected by domestic violence, the SDA can help in various ways. This leaflet explains how.
Authorised by Bernie Smith, Branch Secretary-Treasurer, Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association, NSW Branch, Level 3, 8 Quay St, Sydney NSW 2000. 12/15134.
ACCIDEENT ACCIDENT ENT NT URANCE INSURANCE
Parental Leave
FREE FOR ALL SDA
MEMBERS
PAYS UP TO
40,000
$
publications, talk to your Union Delegate or Organiser, or contact the SDA Info Centre.
Phoning 131 SDA (that’s 131 732); Completing the form overleaf and posting it with your payment or
Orders must be received by Monday 17 October 2016. #
SDA FREE
6 For more information about any of the SDA’s
the Union are not able to attend SDA Union Picnic Day as guests.
We will be holding ou r second SDA Pink Ribbon Grand Fin al Breakfast on Friday 29 Septem ber at the SDA’s Sydney office. All proceeds are donated to the Na tional Breast Cancer Foundation. W e take bookings for tables of ten or in dividuals. Call 131 732 for more details. The next NSW Picnic Day will be on Tuesday 7 November. There will be events organised arou nd the State.
Save the dates!
Perseverance pays o
COVERS
ALSO S KNEE AND ACHILLES TENDON INJURIE
SDA Parental Leave
1
SDA NEWS I WINTER 2017 I PAGE 15
Farewell to some long-serving friends Three SDA staff members recently retired after long and distinguished stints working for the Union in different roles. Helen Carroll was known to many members as the voice on the other end of the line when they called SDA Sydney office’s reception, and the friendly face who sold them their movie tickets. Helen was the SDA’s much loved Sydney receptionist for almost 20 years before she retired last Christmas. Ian Blandthorn served as the SDA’s Assistant National Secretary for 30 years before his retirement last year. Ian also chaired Service Skills Australia and jointly chaired the Wholesale Retail and Personal Services Industry Reference Committee. In 2014, he was awarded the Order of Australia for his long service to the retail, wholesale and personal services industries. Ian is succeeded by Julia Fox who has worked for the SDA since 1994 and has been an Industrial Officer and National Workplace Health and Safety Officer in the SDA National Office since 2000. Paul Mitchell with Helen Carroll
Paul Mitchell was the SDA’s Organiser for the mid-North Coast and Tamworth for many years, and worked in the courts, in coalmining, and a variety of other jobs before coming to the Union. In the time Paul has worked based out of Port Macquarie, the town has grown five-fold in size. While clearing out his paperwork, Paul rediscovered this note which had been given to him some years before by a Kmart Delegate which he shared with SDA News: A Good SDA Delegates Garden Firstly you plant five rows of peas: Perseverance – Politeness – Patience – Promptness – Pleasantness Then plant three rows of squash: Squash gossip – Squash criticism – Squash indifference Then plant three rows of lettuce: Let us be loyal – Let us be unselfish – Let us be honest Then finally plant turnips: Turn up for meetings – Turn up with ideas and a smile – Turn up on time Plant these and watch union membership grow and grow
SDA Assistant National Secretary Julia Fox with Ian Blandthorn
PAGE 16 I AUTUMN 2017 I SDA NEWS
We wish Paul, Helen and Ian well-earned and happy retirements. Thank you for all your work for our members.
Big W Cos Harbour closes its doors Big W Coffs Harbour closed its doors for the last time on 10 May. This was no reflection on the hard work of our members; there is now a second Big W in town and higher management felt that one of them had to go. by Mariusz Werstak, The SDA was involved in this Organiser process from the start, and negotiated more favourable outcomes for those of our members who took redundancy packages. All up, 22 people took redundancies and 22 others are being redeployed, mostly to the other Big W and some to Woolworths. Rumour has it that a similar retailer will reopen on the same site and many of our members who did not find redeployment remain hopeful of finding new jobs there. I thank all of our long-standing members at Big W Coffs Harbour for their loyalty to the Union over the entire period of trading and also the Delegates for their hard work, including Tyrone Flannery, Jenny McAulis, Shirlene Parsons and all past Delegates — too many to name! Photos show the farewell barbeque on thee las last day of trading.
SDA DA NEWS N I WINTER 20177 I PPAGE AGEE 17
It’s Tax Time Again! The end of the financial year is here again, and before you know it, it’ll be time to get your tax return organised. If you’re preparing your own tax return, it needs to be lodged with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) by 31 October. There are some tax deductions that you may be entitled to, a few of which are outlined here. For more, go to ato.gov.au and type ‘shop assistants deductions’ into the search field at the top right of the page. Remember: Make sure that you write down all your income on your tax return – include any benefits received from the Government, income from a second job and any interest you received from a bank, building society or credit union. Sign your tax return. It’s your responsibility to make sure that your tax return is correct even if it was prepared by someone else. Keep all the records you need to prove your deduction claims. TaxPack will tell you what records you need to keep. Ask for help if you need it – ask your tax agent or ring the Tax Office on 13 28 61. Please note: This is a brief summary only, based on information available at time of publication. For a complete explanation, you will need to read the ATO’s publications in their entirety.
Union Fees You can claim a deduction for your Union fees – if the amount is shown on your payment summary (previously known as a group certificate), you can use that to prove your claim. Overtime meals If you get paid an overtime meal allowance under an industrial instrument (such as an Award or Agreement) and buy food and drink on overtime, you can claim the reasonable allowance amount that the ATO has set for overtime meal allowance expenses. If you need to claim more than the reasonable allowance amount, you need to keep written evidence of your expenses. Generally, you must include amounts received as overtime meal allowances as income on your tax return. However, if your Award overtime meal allowance was not shown on your payment summary and was not more than the reasonable allowance amount for each meal, you don’t have to include the amount on your tax return providing that you have
PAGE 18 I WINTER 2017 I SDA NEWS
fully spent the allowance, and don’t claim a deduction for overtime meal expenses. An amount for overtime meals that has been folded in as part of your normal salary and wage income is not considered to be an overtime meal allowance. Seminars, conferences and training courses You can claim a deduction for the cost of attending seminars, conferences and training courses that are sufficiently connected to your work activities. You can claim a deduction for the cost of first aid training courses if you, as a designated first aid person, are required to undertake first aid training to assist in emergency work situations. Work uniforms You can claim for a uniform, either compulsory or non-compulsory, that is unique and distinctive to the organisation you work for. Clothing is unique if it has been designed and made only for the employer. Clothing is distinctive if it has the employer’s logo permanently attached and the clothing is not available to the public.
You can’t claim the cost of purchasing or cleaning a plain uniform.
Compulsory work uniform:
This is a set of clothing that identifies you as an employee of an organisation with a strictly enforced policy that makes it compulsory for you to wear the uniform while you’re at work. You may be able to claim a deduction for shoes, socks and stockings where they are an essential part of a distinctive compulsory uniform and where their characteristics (colour, style and type) are specified in your employer’s uniform policy.
You may be able to claim for a single item of distinctive clothing, such as a jumper, if it’s compulsory for you to wear it at work.
Non-compulsory work uniform:
You can’t claim expenses incurred for noncompulsory work uniforms unless your employer has registered the design with AusIndustry. Shoes, socks and stockings can never form part of a non-compulsory work uniform, and neither can a single item such as a jumper. Check with your employer to see if your uniform is on the register.
Be smart on social media Be careful what you say on social media. Apart from what you say directly in your own tweets and Facebook posts, even comments made on other people’s posts are regarded as public comments – they are not private. Avoid negative comments about your company, your manager or other employees on social media. Better not to mention them at all. Some members have come to us after “official warnings” or worse following unwise comments on social media.
Nothing expressed on Facebook can be considered ‘off the record’.
can call on the support of the Union to support you through this process.
Keep it in the real world
That is the constructive way to deal with problems over company actions or policies, and you stand a much better chance of fixing the problem.
Remember, if you are unhappy with something your supervisor or your employer is doing, you don’t need to take to social media to express your views. Under your Award or Enterprise Agreement, you have access to a great solution: you can raise it through your company grievance procedure and
Leave your work at work Be smart. When you go home, leave work behind you. Enjoy your social media for your social life, not your work life.
Facebook and other social media are great ways to stay in touch, but also remain a potential source of work-related problems. Most Australians have a Facebook account and many spend an hour a day or more on the site.
Personal privacy seƫngs Facebook’s personal privacy settings are no guarantee that what you say remains private. The average Facebook user has 200 friends. Are you absolutely sure that you can rely on every single one of your Facebook friends to keep something to themselves?
Liking pages can be risky In a case in the Fair Work Commission, simply ‘liking’ an offensive Facebook post was one factor that justified an employee’s dismissal. Members should therefore be careful of pages that are set up to criticise employers. It is best to steer well clear of these.
f
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK All members are invited to ‘like’ our Facebook page — facebook.com/SDANSW — to keep up to date with SDA news and happenings. SDA NEWS I WINTER 2017 I PAGE 19
YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY IS HIGH ON THE AGENDA
Progress Custome
The SDA will put health and safety front and centre during 2017’s Safety Demands Action Week, which runs from 7-14 August. This year, we’re focusing on putting the health and safety issues that our members have reported in retail, fast food and
by Jane Lui, OHS Officer
warehouse workers on your company’s agenda. This is done by getting these issues
Safety does demand action and
discussed on your health and safety
the Branch has been working
committees.
REMEMBER...
hard on finding solutions to these
KEY ISSUES
Health and safety at work is important to stop serious accidents and injuries, but also because it can impact your life outside of work.
issues in a practical manner by
Through our safety chats, we have identified the top issues experienced by SDA members. They are:
Abuse and violence from customers
Workload stress
Temperature concerns
Burns
Manual handling
If these issues are problems in your workplace, are they discussed by your safety committee? Are they on the agenda?
Experiencing abuse or violence from customers or stress from increasing workloads is not acceptable. If these issues are having a negative impact on your mental or physical health once you leave work, then it is a workplace problem. All workplace issues impacting on worker’s health should be reported to your employer so they can be addressed.
We want to tackle these issues proactively
Everyone has the right to work in a safe environment.
and work together, with employers and
NEED HELP NOW?
workers, in order to make your workplace
issues so we can find solutions.
If you need to talk to someone about issues impacting on your mental health or you are concerned about someone at work you can also contact:
If the issues aren’t being resolved, it is time
to report them to us for assistance. Please
safer. Let’s start the conversations about these
call 131 732 for further advice.
PAGE 20 I WINTER 2017 I SDA NEWS
Lifeline: phone 131 114 Beyond Blue: phone 1300 22 4636 or got to www.beyondblue.org.au.
follow-up with our regulator and meetings with major companies and follow up with local issues.
ss on addressing mer Abuse Following our extensive surveys over the Summer break, we met with SafeWork NSW.
A meeting of SafeWork, SDA and concerned employers will follow to look at an industry approach to this problem.
Further to our meeting, SafeWork NSW briefed the relevant SafeWork Directors on:
We are currently mapping out reporting processes, systems and awareness of issues in the industry, which vary widely from business to business.
the data presented by the SDA,
the agreed next steps of SafeWork and the SDA working together, and
working with other key stakeholders on the prevention of customer abuse and violence.
There will be a further meeting with the SafeWork teams who work in business areas related to client violence, with a view to better understanding what is currently being done.
Many employers are keen to fix this issue, and we believe it is preferable to work together to find solutions.
Public support crucial Customer abuse is under-reported, and is generally (and wrongly) accepted by many as part of the job. This is an attitude we must work to change. Our initial campaign in the lead up to Christmas last year was well received by
members of the public. The SDA commissioned polling on public perception of customers abusing retail staff, and we found that 47% of the public had witnessed customers verbally or physically abusing retail staff. The top two reasons given for the cause of the problem were: inappropriate or rude behaviour by the customer (79%) and the customer having to wait too long to be served (47%). Many companies and other service sector unions are supportive of trying to address this problem so our next step will be a public awareness campaign on this issue to win broader support.
SDA NEWS I WINTER 2017 I PAGE 21
Don’t be afraid to m “ No.1 in the long run
I want to make a complaint about
Employers have the responsibility
my working conditions but I’m scared
to actively manage in a ‘reasonable’
about what will happen to me and my
way and provide a safe working environment.
job if I do.
“
Employees have the right to make a complaint or an inquiry about their
Last time someone complained,
working conditions.
things got much worse out on the floor and now we don’t think it is worth
If you are unsure about how to make a complaint in your workplace,
speaking up.
ask your Delegate, refer to your
“
…they asked me to step inside
for guidance.
they needed to have a ‘little talk’. There
Codes of Conduct you at work, most employers have
that I was going to lose my job. I felt
clear guidelines and policies that
outnumbered and unsupported and
outline an expected Code of Conduct
backed into a corner.
and Respectful Workplace Behaviour
These policies are usually handed out
members every day!
at your induction when you start your
Every worker has the right to attend work in a safe working environment
Rights and responsibilities
PAGE 22 I WINTER 2017 I SDA NEWS
employment, where your employer would have asked you to sign and agree to these policies. You can ask your employer for a copy
However, there are rights and employer.
SuperRatings doesn’t issue, sell, guarantee or underwrite this product. Go to superratings.com.au for ratings criteria. Ratings are only one factor to consider. Past performance may not be repeated. Product issued by REST. Contact us for a PDS to consider before deciding.
for their staff.
We hear statements like these by our
responsibilities for both worker and
Surveyed monthly with similar options over rolling 10 year periods.
As well as national laws that protect
from me. I felt intimidated and thought
and be treated and paid fairly.
rest.com.au
procedure or call the SDA on 131 732
the office and close the door because were three managers sitting across
REST’s Core Strategy has been ranked No.1 for long-term performance more times than all other super funds put together.
Enterprise Agreement’s grievance
so that you are familiar with what is expected.
Together, we make a difference Collectively standing up and actively
Employers can direct and control the
speaking out in workplaces and
way work is carried out, establish and
communities where there is injustice
set reasonable duties, expectations
is vitally important if we want to make
and decisions around performance,
a difference, especially in the current
and apply disciplinary action.
political climate.
o make a complaint a typical problem resolution process... Contact your immediate manager and raise the issue/problem that you have concerns about.
Affected Employee
NEGOTIATE
Immediate Manager
Employee with Delegate
NEGOTIATE
Store Management
SDA Organiser
NEGOTIATE
Store Manager/ Head Office
Industrial Officer
NEGOTIATE
Industrial Officer
If the issue cannot be resolved to your satisfaction at this level, you should then raise it with the store manager.
You may require or request that your store Union Delegate attend with you. A Union Organiser may also become involved.
If the issue is still not resolved, the store Manager must refer it to HR or the Regional/ Area Manager and at this stage the SDA should become involved, if we have not yet done so.
If the issue is still not resolved, it may be taken to the Head Office level of the company or filed for dispute before the Fair Work Commission.
Remember... At all times, you can and should seek the advice and direction of your workplace Union Delegate or your SDA Organiser by calling the SDA office on 131 SDA
Fair Work Australia
(that’s 131 732).
It is crucial that as SDA members, you know that you are protected for exercising the lawful rights that have been fought for and won by the Union over the years.
courageous at work and exercise our own basic workplace entitlements?
You have the lawful right to make this complaint without being victimised.
Please find the courage to act. Your Union Delegates and officials are here to help.
In doing so, you will not suffer in the workplace for using your voice.
In a nutshell...
If you feel that you are being treated adversely because you have raised a lawful complaint or made an inquiry, please contact your Union Delegate or our office straight away!
How are we going to be active players having a say in our uncertain political world if we don’t feel that we can be
You have the lawful right to complain or inquire about your working conditions stated in your enterprise bargaining agreement or award.
We can act to ensure that you are protected under these laws! That is why the SDA is here and that is what you pay your Union membership fees for!
SDA NEWS I WINTER 2017 I PAGE 23
t n u o c s i D
x i T e i v o M
SDA MEMBERS CAN GO TO THE MOVIES AT GREAT PRICES!
The SDA understands that you need a break from work to enjoy leisure time, so not only do we negotiate workplace entitlements and rosters to give you reasonable time off, we also get you – SDA members – discounts on a range of entertainment benefits. And everyone loves going to the movies! Thanks to the SDA’s Discount Movie Tickets scheme, financial members of the Union can go to the movies at reduced prices. SDA MOVIE TICKET PRICES Adult # $12.50 Event Cinemas Hoyts Cinemas $14.25
Child $10.00 $11.00
So whether you choose to spend your leisure time with friends, family or both, the SDA helps you out with these discount movie tickets. The SDA – It’s good to have a friend in the workplace.
ALL TICKET OPTIONS A R E N OW AVAILABLE ONLINE!
All SDA Movie Tick ets are now available as e-tickets, which yo u can print at home or redeem on a sma rtphone. Order online at sd answ.org.au.
TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS...
order online at www.sdansw.org.au, phone the SDA on 131 SDA (131 732) with your credit card details, or purchase them in person at the SDA Sydney Office between 8.30am and 4.00pm Monday to Saturday (except on public holidays).
THE FINE PRINT Please note: All tickets are issued with an expiry date. #For Event cinemas only, you must purchase a minimum of four tickets. Prices are subject to change without notice. Children’s tickets available at Hoyts (valid for children aged 4-15 years), Village, Event, and Birch Carroll & Coyle Cinemas (valid for children aged 4-14 years). Event vouchers are not valid for sessions after Saturdays at 5pm, VMAX, Gold Class, 3D/Real D, group bookings, movie marathons and special events or in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. Hoyts tickets are not valid for sessions after Saturdays at 5pm. AMV and Reading tickets are no longer available.
PAGE 24 I WINTER 2017 I SDA NEWS
Watching for signs of risk Suicide is the leading cause of death SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR among Australians aged 15 to 44. 500,000 While identifying those at risk of suicide can be difficult, warning signs may include: Australians have attempted suicide at Talking about Any talk about suicide, dying or self-harm, such as “I wish I hadn’t been born, some point. “if I see you again...,” and “I’d be better off dead”. suicide It is a difficult topic to engage with, but Preoccupation Unusual focus on death, dying, or violence. Writing poems or stories about we all have to shoulder the responsibility death. with death to reach out to people we know at home, Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and being trapped (“there’s no way No hope for school and work who might be struggling. out”). Belief that things will never get better or change. Talking about feeling the future In recent years, the “RU OK” campaign has isolated or lonely. Expressing no reason for living, or sense of purpose. been taken up and endorsed by a range Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, shame and self-hatred. Feeling like a burden Self-loathing, of organisations, and has gone a long way (“everyone would be better off without me”). Expressing fears of failure, self-hatred towards reducing the stigma of mental uselessness or loss of self-esteem. health issues, particularly depression. Getting affairs Making a will. Giving away prized possessions. Making arrangements for Tim Moran, head of workplace family members. in order engagement at Beyond Blue, addressed Unusual or unexpected visits or calls to family and friends. Saying goodbye to Saying SDA officials at their recent national people as though they won’t be seen again. goodbye conference. Withdrawing from friends, family and co-workers. Increasing social isolation. Withdrawing He said the main thing is not to be Inability to relate to other people. Desire to be left alone. from others frightened by talking about it if a workmate Self-destructive Impulsivity or aggression. Increased alcohol or drug use, reckless driving, expresses suicidal thoughts. unsafe sex. Taking unnecessary risks as though they have a death wish. behaviour “There’s very little that you can say in such Seeking access to pills, knives, guns or other objects that could be used in a Seeking out a situation that is actually unhelpful,” Tim suicide attempt lethal means said. Sudden sense A sudden sense of calm and happiness after being extremely depressed — Employers have a role to play too, and the this can mean that the person has made a decision to commit suicide. of calm SDA is engaging with companies about People may show one or many of these signs, and some may show signs not on this list. workplace wellness initiatives. One in five people show no signs at all. Health and Safety Committees can also What you can do help by looking for risk factors at work. If you have concerns about your colleagues, reach out. You don’t have to solve their Work stressors can include: problems; just let them know that help is out there. If you see a risk that adds to stress in bullying, harassment or discrimination; your workplace, report it to your health & safety representative or committee. being performance managed; For more information or assistance: work-related interpersonal conflict or Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636. relationship breakdown; Call 000 for urgent medical attention or police attendance stressful working conditions Go to www.sane.org or google “sane-steps-how-to-help-when-someone-is-suicidal” (e.g. excessive hours, fatigue); business-related financial difficulties; increased use of alcohol or other drugs, Additional risks business restructures; including medications; There is a greater risk of suicide if any of these impending redundancies; history of suicidal behaviour; signs is coupled with any of the following: work-related compensation claims; current depression, burnout or unexplained recent loss of a close relationship; pain, depression or mobility limitations sudden change in work circumstances; fatigue. after workplace injury; serious or embarrassing work-related involvement in work-related court Article adopted from Suicide Awareness for the Western Australian resources sector, WA Government. event; proceedings.
SDA NEWS I WINTER 2017 I PAGE 25
Young workers and job seeker off under Turnbull’s retail ‘int The Turnbull Government’s announcement that it has struck a ‘deal’ with retailers to create up to 10,000 internships through its infamous PaTH by Bernie Smith Branch Secretary program does little to create real opportunities for young job seekers in retail who, just a few weeks ago, had their penalty rates cut. The SDA strongly opposes the Federal Government’s PaTH internship program that allows employers to bring in young people as ‘interns’ for much less than the minimum wage.
PAGE 26 I WINTER 2017 I SDA NEWS
Employers would readily see this as a way to save money and displace older workers, rather than as a way of giving people a career opportunity. Confirming these suspicions, the Government announced that it has struck a ‘deal’ with a number of retailers to create up to 10,000 internships. Adding insult to injury, the announcement came the day after retail workers saw their wages cut by the penalty rates decision. By its own admission, the Government has confirmed that over 85% of participants who complete the PaTH internship will not gain full-time employment through the process.
The PaTH program provides a taxpayer funded mechanism to provide cheap labour for retailers while creating false hope for vulnerable young job seekers that there would be a full-time job at the end of their internship. It appears that young job seekers are being set up to fail, which can be devastating to their morale, mental health and long-term job prospects. We need to provide vulnerable young job seekers with proper training and paid opportunities. It is outrageous that the Turnbull Government thinks it is acceptable to pay young people $4 an hour for three months, and then legally allow them to be discarded at the end of that process. Where are the industrial safeguards and proper monitoring systems to ensure taxpayers’ money is being used to create real job opportunities and not just cheap temporary labour? The 10,000 low-paid PaTH internships allow retailers to avoid hiring part-time and casual employees, hurting young workers who are already underemployed and looking for additional shifts. The PaTH program provides employers with a pool of young, low-paid workers for retailers to use to replace part-time and casual workers, to whom they would normally have to pay Award rates.
W w cu Th pr Th a sy co le Th of w ch M st st th an
ers ripped nternships’
<
%& ' (' )% ** & !"!#$ We know that part-time and casual retail workers, who have just had their penalty rates cut, are already struggling. The PaTH program will only make their predicament worse. The Turnbull Government is already making a fiasco of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vocational training system, allowing rogue training operators to come in with little oversight and often collapse, leaving students high and dry. Their only idea is to slash the take-home pay of young workers, and now to create a system where young job seekers can be exploited as cheap labour. Malcolm Turnbull and his Government need to stop treating young people with contempt, and start treating them with fairness by providing them with real training, real job opportunities and proper pay.
! " # $ %&'' &() )'*
+ , -. / 0 -. 1 23 4 5 678% 9 : ; < '7&% = 0 + 7( 2
SDA NEWS I WINTER 2017 I PAGE 5
LUNA PARK FAMILY DAY 27 August 2017
Come along and join us at our Family Day at Luna Park in Sydney on 27 August 2017. SDA members and their families and friends receive a substantial discount on usual prices on this special Family Day.
HUGE SDA DISCOUNT! Normal price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$52.00 SDA pre-purchased discount . . . . . . . .$23.50 (save $28.50)
Unlimited ride tickets for our Luna Park Family Day are just $23.50 per person (usually $52), and lunch tickets are just $12.50 each. Lunch consists of a hamburger or hot dog or pie, plus a soft drink and fairy floss. But hurry – ticket orders must be received by the SDA no later than 7 August 2017.
order your tickets now! Tickets go on sale at 9am on Monday 17 July and close at 5pm on Monday 7 August. Put your order in now so you don’t miss out! You can order as many tickets as you like. The Park is open from 10am to 6pm, and entry is free – all you have to do is book your unlimited rides tickets and/or lunch tickets.
HOW TO ORDER
5 Order online: go to sdansw.org.au; or
> Order by phone: ring 131 SDA (that’s 131 732).
B LAVE E AT THE N AT 1P DER GRE M FO EN RAFF R LE DR OUR AW JO THE F IN IN WI ! TH ACE AND PAINTING ACTI KIDS’ VITIE S!
Unlimited ride tickets for our Luna Park Family Day are just $23.50 per person (usually $52.00), and lunch tickets are just $12.50 each. Lunch consists of a hamburger or hot dog or pie, plus a soft drink and fairy floss. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Monday 17 July and close at 5pm on Monday 7 August. You can order as many tickets as you like. The Park is open from 10am to 6pm, and entry is free – all you have to do is book your unlimited rides tickets and/or lunch tickets. The Park is open from 10am to 6pm, and entry is free – all you have to do is book your unlimited rides tickets and/or lunch tickets.
HOW TO ORDER 5 Order online: go to www.sdansw.org.au; or > Order by phone: ring 131 SDA (that’s 131 732);
or , Order by mail: complete the form on this page and mail it to SDA NSW Branch, PO Box K230, Haymarket NSW 1240
YOUR ORDER FORM MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE SDA OFFICE NO LATER THAN monday 7 AUGUST 2017.
LUNA PARK FAMILY DAY TICKET ORDER FORM Your Details Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Postcode. . . . . . SDA Membership Number: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phone: Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mobile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-mail address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Employer: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tickets
3 Please send me [insert number] ________ unlimited rides tickets. Total cost @ $23.50 each (normally $52.00 for anyone over 130cm):
$....................
3 Please send me [insert number] ________ lunch tickets. Total cost @ $12.50 each:
$....................
Registered Post Charge:
$ . . . . . 4.50 . . . . . . . . .
Express Post $6.00
$.................... $....................
Grand Total:
Payment cheque money order [Make out to “SDA NSW Branch”] or please debit my: Visa Mastercard Card number: I enclose my:
Name of cardholder: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expiry date: / Signature of cardholder: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . This coupon can be used as a tax invoice for ABN 74 415 123 375
NO ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THIS DATE.
DISCOUNT TRANSPORT If you’ve got an Opal Card, for $2.50 per person, your family can enjoy unlimited travel on Sydney’s buses, trains and ferries on Sundays! For more information, go to www.transportnsw.info and search ‘family sunday’.
SDA NEWS I WINTER 2017 I PAGE 29
The Sydney Tower Eye
Madame Tussauds
Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour
SDA members and their families are entitled to a 20% discount on single adult and child entry tickets upon presentation of their current SDA membership card.
SDA members and their families are entitled to a 20% discount on single adult and child entry tickets upon presentation of their current SDA membership card.
SDA members and their families are entitled to a 20% discount on single adult and child entry tickets upon presentation of their current SDA membership card.
SDA members and their families are entitled to a 20% discount on single adult and child entry tickets upon presentation of their current SDA membership card.
t (02) 9333 9222 a sydneytowereye.com.au
t (02) 9333 9240 a madametussauds.com/sydney
t (02) 8251 7800 a sydneyaquarium.com.au
t (02) 8251 7877 a manlysealifesanctuary.com.au
WILD LIFE Sydney
Australian National Maritime Museum
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Gold Coast
Featherdale Wildlife Park, Doonside
Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary
SDA members and their families are entitled to a 20% discount on single adult and child entry tickets upon presentation of their current SDA membership card.
SDA members and their families are entitled to a 20% discount upon presentation of their current SDA membership card.
SDA members and their families are entitled to a 20% discount upon presentation of their current SDA membership card.
SDA members and their families are entitled to a 25% discount upon presentation of their current SDA membership card.
t (02) 9333 9288 a wild-life.com.au
t (02) 9298 3777 a anmm.gov.au
t (07) 5534 1266 a cws.org.au
t (02) 9622 1644 a featherdale.com.au
Gold Coast Attractions SDA members and their families are entitled to a 15% discount at these leading Gold Coast attractions:
Movieworld*
Seaworld*
Wet’n’Wild Dreamworld White Water Skypoint Water World* t (07) 5588 1111 World t (07) 5582 2700 t 133 FUN t 133 FUN (07) 5588 1111 t (133 386) (133 386) a dreamworld. a whitewaterworld. a skypoint. t 133 FUN myfun.com.au a myfun.com.au com.au com.au com.au a a myfun.com.au *Please note: you must pre-purchase your tickets through the SDA website to access the discounts on these attractions.
Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures SDA members and their families are entitled to a 20% discount on single adult and child entry tickets upon presentation of their current SDA membership card. 1300 362 881. www.illawarrafly.com
t
a
SDA ENTERTAINMENT TM VOUCHERS AND FREQUENT VALUESTM REWARDS Your SDA member card bears the Frequent ValuesTM logo which entitles you to discounts and specials deals at hundreds of venues around Australia.
membe rship card 20 17 SHOP, DIST RIBUTIVE & ALLIED EMPLOYE ES’ ASSOCIA 31/12/201 7 TION, NEW SOUTH WAL ES
EXPIRES
SHOW YOUR CARD DISCOUNTSS GIFT CARD DISCOUNTS ACCOMMODATION DISCOUNTS
Europcar Rentals
SDA members automatically receive discount vouchers with their annual membership pack, plus access to the deals outlined above.
SDA members receive exclusive rates when they rent with Europcar. Simply quote 47699503 when making your booking. No PIN or Velocity number is required. For more information, phone Europcar on 1300 131 390 or go to europcar.com.au.
6 For more information about Entertainment
PAGE 30 l WINTER 2017 l SDA NEWS
TM vouchers, the Frequent ValuesTM program, discounted gift cards, and participating venues, visit the SDA website or contact the SDA Info Centre.
BRANCH
More for SDA NSW members. In the past, members have enjoyed:
A bank built for you. Did you know that ME is a bank built to help Australians get ahead? And as a member of SDA NSW you’re able to access exclusive benefits and special offers via our Member Benefits Program.
discounts on home loans
lower rate on credit cards
bonuses on term deposits
And the great news? We refresh our member offers regularly. What are you waiting for? Take a look at what’s available to you right now at
mebank.com.au/benefitssda
Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply. Applications for credit are subject to approval. This is general information only and you should consider if these products are right for you. Members Equity Bank Ltd ABN 56 070 887 679 Australian Credit Licence 229500.
www.engagingmembers.com.au
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.
SDA NEWS I WINTER 2017 I PAGE 31
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