Adult Age = Adult Wage Campaign Launched

The SDA lodged a groundbreaking case in the Fair Work Commission to abolish junior rates of pay for workers aged 18 years and older.

key progress

Our case will seek to amend the retail, fast food, and pharmacy awards to remove the reduced rates of pay for workers between 18-20 year olds so that all adults receive the adult wage.

We’re seeking to remove the 70% rate for 18 year olds, 80% for 19 years old and in fast food and pharmacy, the 90% rate for 20 year olds.

We’re also seeking to lift the under 16 years old rate to 50% and the 17 year old to 75%.

I’m covered by an Enterprise Agreement, will this affect me?

If you’re on an Enterprise Agreement that has junior rates and our case is successful, the minimum legal rates will be lifted as well.

Our message is clear: If you’re of Adult Age, you should earn an Adult Wage no matter what.

If you are 19 years old and under, we need your help!

We need to know from young workers about what it’s like struggling to get by on junior rates of pay.

 

We also need to send a really strong message to the Fair Work Commission and employers that SDA members support removing junior rates of pay.

Show your support for our campaign here.

We know this won’t be easy. And it will take some time. Employer lobby groups will throw everything at us.

But we won’t give up.

We need to stand up and abolish junior rates of pay for workers 18 and over and win an adult wage at an adult age.

Adult Age = Adult Wage Campaign Launched

The SDA lodged a groundbreaking case in the Fair Work Commission to abolish junior rates of pay for workers aged 18 years and older.

key progress

Our case will seek to amend the retail, fast food, and pharmacy awards to remove the reduced rates of pay for workers between 18-20 year olds so that all adults receive the adult wage.

We’re seeking to remove the 70% rate for 18 year olds, 80% for 19 years old and in fast food and pharmacy, the 90% rate for 20 year olds.

We’re also seeking to lift the under 16 years old rate to 50% and the 17 year old to 75%.

I’m covered by an Enterprise Agreement, will this affect me?

If you’re on an Enterprise Agreement that has junior rates and our case is successful, the minimum legal rates will be lifted as well.

Our message is clear: If you’re of Adult Age, you should earn an Adult Wage no matter what.

If you are 19 years old and under, we need your help!

We need to know from young workers about what it’s like struggling to get by on junior rates of pay.

 

We also need to send a really strong message to the Fair Work Commission and employers that SDA members support removing junior rates of pay.

Show your support for our campaign here.

We know this won’t be easy. And it will take some time. Employer lobby groups will throw everything at us.

But we won’t give up.

We need to stand up and abolish junior rates of pay for workers 18 and over and win an adult wage at an adult age.

“SDA helped me with legal issues when I was stuck.”
– Jesse Smith, Member since 2017

Join SDA NSW today!

All SDA members instantly gain access to:

  • Free Insurance coverage for injuries that happen on the way to and from work
  • Legal representation with workplace disputes & workers’ compensation
  • Negotiation of higher wages and improved conditions of work
  • Extensive Member Discounts
  • + much more!
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Union membership?

We fight to promote, protect and advance the workplace rights and wellbeing of Australia’s retail, fast food and warehousing workers.
We work hard to campaign for better conditions, higher wages and fairer treatment for our members, providing strong representation .

From pay negotiation to legal advice and representation, the benefits of being a member of the SDA are huge. We make sure you know your rights at work and are on hand to help if something goes wrong. We are your voice at work. And the more members we have, the more we can achieve.

How do I join?

Simply select the Join Now button  on this page or speak to your delegate or SDA organizer. It's that simple.

What services are offered?

It is important to fully understand your rights in the workplace. We can provide advice on your rights  including:

  • Rosters
  • Sick leave
  • Personal leave
  • Holiday leave
  • Paid breaks
  • Don’t be confused, get informed

Part-time, full-time and casual employment arrangements can be confusing. That’s just how things are in the retail and fast food industry. That’s why it’s so important to know where you stand.

How can I get support?

Where to get help

If you are unsure about your rights, please read through the information on this website. 

Speak to your delegate, organiser or  call  our confidential members line 131 732 and get the peace of mind that comes with knowing that someone's always got your back.

What are the benefits?

Extensive Member Discounts including:

  • Textbook Vouchers
  • The SDA Members News magazine
  • Awesome competitions
  • SDA NSW Member benefits app

For more info see our benefits page .

Got a question we haven’t answered? Contact us here

“Thanks to SDA NSW help, the person bullying me has been moved on and I can enjoy going to work again.”

– Joe Smith, Member since 2020