Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association

The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) is the largest trade union in Australia with more than 230,000 members. It has branches in every state and as well as the Newcastle, Hunter Valley and Central Coast region. SDA provides a comprehensive range of services which are available to all full-time, part-time or casual employees who are union members.

The main areas of work the SDA covers are:

  • Retail – Shop Assistants
  • Reserve and Back dock Employees
  • Clerical Employees
  • Butchers
  • Meat Packers
  • Bakers
  • Pastry cooks
  • Bakery Assistants
  • Security (non-contract)
  • Cleaning (non-contract)
  • Fast food
  • Pharmacy
  • General Distribution and Warehousing
  • Pharmaceutical Drug Manufacturing and Distribution
  • Cosmetic Manufacturing and Distribution
  • Van Sales
  • Photographic Industry
  • Vehicle Repair Services and Retail
  • Modeling and Mannequin
  • Motor Vehicle Sales
  • Shoe and Boot Repairing
  • Hairdressing and Beauty
  • Call Centres

How the SDA works

The SDA promotes the interests and defends the rights of members. It gives members support and advice when negotiating with employers. The SDA also assists its members by providing advice on a number of workplace issues including unfair dismissal, sexual harassment, WorkCover claims and changes in the workplace.

Advice and support at work

Membership includes access to union organisers who visit workplaces and provide general advice to members on a range of issues. Being a member of the union gives members access to wide-ranging advice from a number of specialists qualified in areas such as worker’s compensation, occupational health and safety, women’s issues and industrial relations.

As well as assisting members with workplace issues, the SDA also provides a wide range of benefits and discount services. The SDA membership card offers members a selection of discount entertainment, accommodation, discount entry to theme parks and discount dining around Australia. As a member you can also take advantage of other discount services such as discount dental, optical and health care

Contact us to find out more www.sda.org.au