sda members news - spring 2014

Members news

Spring 2014

Inside this issue: SDA puts more into protecting you at work

Dealing with Type 1 Diabetes in retail

NT Family Fun Day Photos

Print Post Approved No. PP504655/00112

How Abbotts' superAnnuAtion

Cuts AffeCt you

Woolies Workers Get their say on neW eba

Inside this issue:

Cover: SDA Secretary Peter Malinauskas with Damon Smith (l), Tegan Dohnt & Courtney Thacker at Woolworths Rundle Mall

SDA puts more into supporting members

Abbott Government super cuts

4

All the fun from NT Family Fun Day

16

Dealing with Type 1 Diabetes at work

20

Pay rises to boost local economy

7SDA Financial Reports for

2013/14The financial report for the SDA National Union is available online for members to view in the members’ area of sda.com.au.

The financial report of the SDA SA/NT Branch will be available for members to view in the member's area of sda.com.au from Thursday 16 October 2014.

If you have any questions about or would like acopy of the report to be mailed to you, please ring the SDA on 8139 1000.

Committee of Management

Maree AppelkampRoger NichollsAnne RevellRobert O’RiellyLynne BarrAmy HayesAdam Izzo

sda.com.au

Adelaide

69 Fullarton Road Kent Town SA 5067

T 08 8139 1000 F 08 8139 1099

Broken Hill

378 Argent Street Broken Hill NSW 2880

T 08 8088 3792

Northern Territory

Unit 8, The ClocktowerCaryota Court Coconut Grove NT 0810

T 08 8948 0566 F 08 8948 0565

Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association SA & NT Branch FREECALL 1800 806 398

Case ManagerZoi Izzo

Organiser CoordinatorJosh Peak

PresidentLyn Rivers

LawyerDonald Blairs

Case ManagerPaul Grandison

SecretaryPeter Malinauskas

Assistant SecretarySonia Romeo

OHS RepJohn Dunn

Union RepAlex Martinson

LawyerBrad Cagney

Union Rep (NT)Matt Ellis

Training OfficerAemon Bourke

OHS RepMonique Kalivis

Union Rep (NT)Nick Brown

Union RepSean Hill

Union RepAmy Hayes

Union RepEmily Farrell

Case ManagerMeg McPhee

Union Rep Lou Bailey

LawyerMonique Chettle

Union Rep Dale Colbeck

Union RepStephanie Gheller

Union RepKiara Robins

Union RepAwa Chibikwa

Union RepDeanna Pignone

Union Rep (BH)Heidi Corinth

Union RepMatthew Di Caterina

Union RepJennifer Allison

Union RepOliver Morris

Union Rep Kyall Smith

Union Rep (NT)Alasdair Henderson

Union Rep (NT)Fayth Christie

Union RepAlistair Sage

Union RepLawrence Ben

14

SDA Members News Spring 2014 l page 3

SDA Secretary Peter Malinauskas and Delegate Paul Steele at Harris Scarfe Rundle Mall

LIkE uS on

SECRETARY’S REPoRT

Peter

&

Sonia'S

Store ViSitS

SDA Secretary Peter Malinauskas and Assistant Secretary Sonia Romeo regularly visit stores to stay in touch with members. Their recent and upcoming store visits are listed below:

Hungry Jack's Salisbury

McDonald's Salisbury

KFC Salisbury

Pizza Hut Salisbury

Romeo's IGA Fresh Salisbury East

Bunnings Warehouse Parafield Gardens

Coles Salisbury Downs

Drakes Salisbury north

Cheap as Chips Glenelg

Romeo's Foodland Glenelg South

Kmart Marion

Bunnings Warehouse Marion

Dick Smith Marion

Freedom Furniture Marion

Romeo's Foodland Marion

The Abbott Government's deal with the Palmer United Party’s Clive Palmer and Family First Senator Bob Day to cut the retirement savings of millions of Australian workers is absolutely disgraceful.

The decision will freeze any increase to superannuation until 2021 and gets rid of the Low Income Superannuation Contribution, which will leave workers significantly worse off and destroys any sense of security for a decent retirement.

The Abbott Government and Senator Day claim they want retirees to be self-dependent but at the very same time are cutting superannuation, it just doesn’t make any sense.

The Liberal Government also continues to attack penalty rates – last month South Australian MP Jamie Briggs called to reduce penalty rates for Sundays and public holidays.

It’s not just penalty rates that are under threat either, Family First Senator Bob Day has called to get rid of the minimum wage for younger workers.

He thinks younger workers should be able to negotiate with employers to work for lower than the minimum wage and give up entitlements such as sick leave and annual leave.

This proposal is outrageous, the minimum wage is a safety net for workers to earn a decent living wage and without it, vulnerable younger workers are left at a serious disadvantage.

Senator Day repeatedly argues that he wants all South Australians to have a job and own a home but if younger workers earn below the minimum wage, their ability to buy a house will be next to none.

We'll send you a letter to

notify you of upcoming store visits

In the United States, where the minimum wage is significantly lower than here in Australia, workers earning the minimum wage can’t afford to rent a two bedroom home let alone buy a house.

There are no benefits in allowing younger workers to set their wages and conditions on their own.

The SDA will keep going in to bat for members, to ensure that workers, of all ages, are provided with the support and protection at work that they need.

While the SDA has been working hard to negotiate new Enterprise Bargaining Agreements for workers at Coles, Harris Scarfe, Reject Shop and Woolworths DC, the Abbott Government has ramped up its attack on working people.

SuPerANNuATioN CuTSAre DiSGrACeFul

The Abbott Government recently made a deal with Palmer United Party’s Clive Palmer and Family First Senator Bob Day to unfairly reduce the retirement savings of working Australians.

Under legislation introduced by the previous Labor Government, the Superannuation Guarantee was due to increase to 12% by 2019 – this meant more money going to your retirement savings.

The Abbott Government have scrapped any increases to superannuation and the Superannuation Guarantee will now stay at 9.5% until 2021.

It will not reach 12% until 2025, which means hard working Australian people will be left significantly worse off when they retire.

SDA Secretary Peter Malinauskas says there is also no guarantee that the Abbott Government will not make further changes to superannuation, which means workers could stand to lose much, much more.

“The Abbott Government has already gone back on their promise not to change superannuation and so there’s no reason to believe they’ll keep their word to increase super contributions from 2021,” said Peter.

This decision also includes getting rid of the Low Income Superannuation Contribution, which means workers earning under $37,000 will lose out on $500 each year. This adds up

cuts your retirement savings

to tens of thousands of dollars for workers over their working life.

“This is really going to hurt retail and fast-food workers. This is not just a dollar here or there, this is $20,000 from the average retirement savings of workers,” said Peter.

An 18 year old earning $15,000 per year will lose $32,915 of superannuation savings. A 40 year old earning $35,000 per year will

have their retirement savings cut by $13,742.

“South Australian Liberal Senators, Senator Bob Day and the Palmer United Party have made an absolutely disgraceful decision to cut the retirement savings of workers who rely on superannuation for their retirement.

“They have destroyed any sense of security for working people to be able to have a decent and sustainable retirement,” said Peter.

Following the deal, the Abbott Government claimed workers would make up for their loss in superannuation by receiving higher wages but these claims were quickly

denied by employer lobby groups.

“The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Australian Industry Group and Business SA have all said employees will not receive higher wages as a result of freezing superannuation increases,” said Peter.

Peter says it is extremely alarming for South Australian Liberal Senators and Family First Senator Bob Day to have taken thousands of dollars from South Australian workers and destroyed any sense of security for a decent retirement.

“The Liberals and Senator Day claim they want retirees to be more self-

dependent but at the same time are cutting superannuation for workers, it doesn’t make any sense.

“The Liberals want to cut penalty rates for retail workers, Senator Day wants to get rid of the minimum wage for younger workers and now they’re acting together to cut the retirement savings of millions of Australian workers.

“What are they going to take away from workers next?” said Peter.

The SDA will be pushing the Abbott Government and Senator Day to reverse this shameful decision that will have serious financial consequences for working people when they retire.

SDA Secretary Peter Malinauskas has labelled the Abbott Government’s deal with Clive Palmer and Senator Bob Day to freeze superannuation increases absolutely disgraceful and calls for the decision to be reversed.

Abbott Government

The Liberals and Senator Day claim they want retirees to be more self-dependent but at the same time are cutting superannuation for

workers, it doesn’t make any sense.


cuts your retirement savings

The decision to stop increases to superannuation contributions for working Australians was made in a deal with the Palmer United Party’s Clive Palmer, who owns one of Australia’s biggest mining companies.

The billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer stands to benefit greatly from the deal as it repealed the Mining Tax on large mining companies.

The deal meant his Palmer United Senators, who hold significant power in the Australian Senate, would vote in favour of superannuation cuts.

In exchange for the repeal of the Mining Tax, there will be no increase to superannuation contributions until 2021 and the Low Income Superannuation Contribution of $500 per year for low income earners will be abolished.

SDA Secretary Peter Malinauskas says the agenda of the Abbott Government and Senator Day is now clear – they have chosen to reward Clive Palmer and big mining companies at the expense of hard working Australians and their retirement.

Senator Anne Ruston Liberal

Senator Sean Edwards

Liberal

Senator David Fawcett Liberal

Senator Bob Day

Family First

Senator Cory Bernardi

Liberal

Senator Simon Birmingham

Liberal

Senator Nigel Scullion Liberal

WHiCH SA/Nt SENAtoRS VotED to cut YOuR SuPERANNuAtioN?YOuR

RetiRement mOneY

WHiCH SA/Nt SENAtoRS VotED to Save YOuR SuPERANNuAtioN?

HoW ABBottS' CutS Will AffECt you

Senator Anne McEwen

Labor

Senator Penny Wong

Labor

Senator Alex Gallacher

Labor

Senator Nick Xenophon

Independent

Senator Nova Peris

Labor

VSpROfitS fOR BiG mineRS

SouRCE: iNDuStRy SuPER

Unfortunately the SDA continues to deal with incidents where employers are taking advantage of workers by not paying them their proper rate of pay for all time worked.

SDA Lawyer Donald Blairs warns that sometimes mistakes happen when it comes to wages and approaching your employer about an underpayment can be challenging.

“Employers are legally bound to pay employees for all the work that they do and the SDA is always there to help if you’ve been underpaid,” said Donald.

There are several ways a worker can miss out being paid their proper entitlements.

They could include:

• Being forced to start work before your rostered shift begins

• Not receiving your tea or meal breaks

• Coming in on your day off or while on leave without pay

• Not receiving penalty rates for particular times such as public holidays

• Having to work past your rostered finish time, even if it’s 10 to 15 minutes

Underpayments could just be a one off mistake in your pay or a small amounts that build up over time, which is why workers should

always stay informed about their entitlements and ask questions if they have concerns.

There are ways to help prevent underpayments from adding up over time.

It’s important to keep your pay slips, either in hard copy or saved online and it is equally as important to check your pay slips regularly.

“Looking at your pay slips will help to work out if a mistake has been made.

“The majority of SDA members will receive a pay rise once or twice a year, this is also a good time to check your pay slip to make sure the wage increase has been passed on,” said Donald.

SDA members can easily access their new rate of pay by logging into the Members’ Area at sda.com.au as soon as the wage increase goes through.

What should you do if you think you’ve been underpaid?If you find an error in your pay or you’re not getting paid for all time worked, raise this with your immediate manager.

If your immediate manager is unable to resolve the matter, contact the SDA and we will assist you.

SDA members can also contact us at any time if they have questions about their rate of pay, pay slips or entitlements.

in the 2013/2014 financial year the SDA won $350,000 in underpayments for members across retail, fast food and warehousing.

SDA wins over $350,000 in underpayments

Donald BLAIRSSDA Lawyer


Each month thousands of retail, fast food and warehousing workers in Australia receive a pay rise that was negotiated by the SDA.

The majority of SDA members will receive a pay rise once or twice a year as part of their Agreement negotiated by the SDA on their behalf.

SDA Assistant Secretary Sonia Romeo says that these wage increases are crucial to working people, not just so they can make ends meet but to keep the economy growing in difficult economic times.

In July this year alone, 60,000 retail workers in South Australia received a pay rise that was negotiated by the SDA.

That’s over $550,000 in the pockets of hardworking South Australians and their families each week.

“Not only do retail workers need pay rises but it also means there’s an extra $550,000 per week going back into the South Australian economy.

“Retail workers need these wage increases because the cost of living continues to go up and there is enormous pressure on working families to make ends meet,” said Sonia.

The pay rises for South Australian retail workers in July amounts to an estimated $30 million over the current financial year.

6,000 retail workers in the Northern Territory also received a pay rise,

which means an extra $84,000 each week going to Territory workers to spend.

The SDA understands strong economies are underpinned by an expanding middle class not a shrinking one.

Employer lobby groups are constantly trying to reduce wages for workers with claims increasing workers’ wages is bad for business and jobs will be lost.

However, the SDA knows this simply isn’t true. An increase in wages means that those workers spend that extra money and it goes right back into the economy.

That's extra money for workers to spend locally in South Australia or the Northern Territory to boost our local economies.

“Any extra money in the pockets of workers to be spent is good news for the economy,” said Sonia.

Sonia warns that without regular and fair pay rises Australia may be faced with a growing working poor like in the United States.

“The U.S. is a scary example of how low wage rates have hurt the economy, not helped it. As a result the gap between rich and poor is increasing every day,” she said.

The SDA protects and improves pay and entitlements for workers by negotiating your Agreements but it also makes sure retail workers covered by the Retail Award receive fair and decent wages and conditions.

“Pay rises such as these are especially vital for workers as employer lobby groups have well and truly stepped up their campaign to abolish penalty rates,” said Sonia.

Fair and decent wage rises boost the economy

SDA Assistant Secretary Sonia Romeo with Michelle Williams from Target netwon

ONGOING NeGoTiATioNS

The SDA continues to negotiate a new EBA for Harris Scarfe workers.

A new Agreement is currently being negotiated with the company.

Once negotiations with these companies are completed, the SDA will roll out the new Agreement and each SDA member will get the opportunity to vote on it before it goes to the Fair Work Commission to be certified.

UPCOMING NeGoTiATioNS

The SDA will be starting the survey process with members before negotiations with the company early next year.

We are hoping to start asking members to complete the survey about what they like or don’t like about their current Agreement in the coming weeks.

Negotiations for a new Pizza Hut Agreement will also begin in early 2015.

The SDA will be out in stores surveying members about their wages and conditions over the next month.

Got a question about your EBA? Just call the SDA on 8139 1000.

Negotiations are continuing with Coles following a significant delay by the company.

Through no fault of the SDA, negotiations were delayed until late April this year.

This was despite the SDA undertaking the survey process with members throughout September last year, in anticipation for negotiations beginning in October.

“In each and every meeting the SDA has had with the company since April, we argued for an interim pay rise for all Coles workers.

“Due to the delay in starting negotiations caused by Coles, the current Agreement expired on 31 May 2014.

“The SDA firmly believed and argued for an interim pay rise to prevent Coles employees from going without a wage increase for an extended period of time,” said SDA Secretary Peter Malinauskas.

After months of negotiations, the company finally agreed to pay the interim wage increase and as a result all Coles workers received a pay rise of 1.4% back dated to 7 July.

This pay rise means the SDA can continue to negotiate the Agreement to get the best possible wages and conditions for members.

It in no way limits future pay rises and it is the expectation of the SDA that Coles workers will receive another wage increase at the end of the year.

SDA wins interim pay rise

fill in your survey online

AnD HAve your sAy

SDA Secretary Peter malinauskas talks to Coles workers at rundle mall


SDA committed to improving your wages and conditionsthe SDA is continuing to negotiate new Agreements for several companies throughout this year.

“SDA members can rest assured that we are doing all the hard work for you when it comes to your wages and conditions,” said SDA Secretary Peter Malinauskas.

We are currently negotiating several new EBAs with companies based on feedback from members about what they wanted to see improved in their Agreement.

DC

Negotiations underway for new Woolies DC eBAthe SDA has kicked off the negotiation process for a new Agreement for Woolworths DC members.

We have surveyed SDA members in the warehouse and put together a log of claims based on that feedback, with the help of Woolies DC Delegates.

The log of claims was presented to the company on 2 September and negotiations have now begun.

Negotiations for a new Woolworths Supermarket Agreement are scheduled to start in early 2015.

In order to give Woolworths employees time to consider the wages and conditions set out in their Agreement, the SDA has started the survey process.

SDA Secretary Peter Malinauskas is encouraging all Woolies employees to do the survey.

“The SDA will be negotiating with the company next year and before we do, we want to make sure that every Woolworths worker has had the opportunity to give feedback on their wages and conditions,” said Peter.

SDA Union Organisers have been out on the shop floor making sure workers get a chance to fill out a survey.

The survey is also available to SDA members when you log in at sda.com.au

If you have a question about your Woolworths EBA, contact the SDA on 8139 1000

loG iN At SDA.CoM.Au

fill in your survey online

AnD HAve your sAy

Woolies workers to get their say on new eBA

The SDA understands that not all workplaces are the same, each company or each store may have different needs than another company or store.

That’s why an EBA is so important, it is specific to your workplace and is more flexible than the Award.

SDA Secretary Peter Malinauskas

SDA Secretary Peter malinauskas chats with SDA Delegate Damon Smith from Woolworths rundle mall

ADuLt HourLy rAte

Minimum wage $16.87

Retail Award $18.52

Fast Food Award $18.54

Hair & Beauty Award $18.52

Average Major SDA Retail EBA $20.02

What is an Award?

An Award sets out the minimum wages and conditions an employee is entitled to in a particular industry.

Awards are lengthy documents that set out the minimum wages and conditions for retail employees who are not employed under an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.

The Awards that would apply to most SDA members include the General Retail Industry Award, Fast Food Industry Award and Hair and Beauty Industry Award.

Each Award is set by the Fair Work Commission and is reviewed every four years.

Enterprise bargaining is when a Union, such as the SDA negotiates with a company for an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement. The Agreement sets out wages and conditions for those employees, instead of using an Award.

When a Union negotiates

these wages and conditions the Agreement, overall, must be better for the worker than the respective Award.

The vast majority of SDA members are covered by an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.

What is enterprise Bargaining?


SDA negotiated Agreement

When Enterprise Bargaining Agreements expire, the SDA will protect your existing entitlements as well as negotiate for improvements to certain provisions.

The SDA has a long history of building strong relationships with employers in order to be able to negotiate Agreements that put the interests of workers first.

Most SDA members are covered by an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.

Workers who are not covered by an SDA negotiated Agreement, come under an Award which may be the General Retail Industry Award, Fast Food Industry Award or Hair and Beauty Industry Award.

An Award is the bare minimum set of wages and conditions for the workers in that particular industry.

It is for this reason that the SDA works so hard to negotiate EBAs because often the Award will only provide for the bare minimum entitlements and wages.

The SDA understands that often workers stuggle to get by on just bare minimum wages.

Enterprise Bargaining is crucial to get workers the best possible wages and conditions, says SDA Secretary Peter Malinauskas

All EBAs negotiated by the SDA must have wages and conditions that are better off, overall, for those workers.

These provisions include wages, rostering, leave entitlements and health and safety.

Overall, the provisions set out in an SDA negotiated Agreement must be better for workers entitlements than if they were covered by the relevant Award.

This means, generally the wages and conditions in your SDA negotiated Agreement will be better than what you would receive under the Award.

Further to this, an Award covers a particular industry on a national level. One of the benefits of enterprise bargaining is that an EBA allows the SDA to specifically negotiate with employers to suit a particular company or workplace.

“The SDA understands that not all workplaces are the same, each company or each store may have different needs than another company or store.

“That’s why an EBA is so important,

it is specific to your workplace and is more flexible than the Award,” said SDA Secretary Peter Malinauskas.

The flexibility of an EBA comes through compromise and negotiating between the SDA and the company. For example, most retail EBAs traded lower penalty rates for a higher base rate of pay and improved rostering conditions.

The SDA undertakes an extensive survey process with its members before a new Agreement is negotiated to come up with a Log of Claims which will be presented to the company based on your feedback.

“We take the time to ask members what they like or don’t about their Agreement so that when the SDA sits down with the company, we know exactly what it is you want in your EBA,” said Peter.

Enterprise bargaining starts with you, taking your feedback directly to the company before negotiating the best possible wages and conditions that are specific to your workplace - not just the retail or fast food industry in general.

better offunder anWhy you’re

SDA Delegates celebrate 100% Pay at Adelaide oval

SDA members have ramped up calls to end junior rates in the retail industry following the success in the fair Work Commission earlier this year.

“Our huge win for 20-year-old workers who will now receive the full adult rate of pay means we are now looking towards doing the same for 18 and 19-year-olds,” said SDA Secretary Peter Malinauskas.

Currently, 18-year-olds covered by the General Retail Industry Award receive 30 per cent less than their co-workers over 21 and at 19 it’s 20 per cent less.

“It doesn’t make sense that adult workers don’t receive adult rates of pay.

“The overwhelming support for the campaign and the Fair Work Commission ruling for fair pay for 20-year-olds are positive steps towards ending junior rates for adult workers in the retail industry,” said Peter.

From 4 to 10 August this year, SDA members and supporters of the campaign celebrated National 100% Pay Week.

In South Australia, younger workers and SDA Delegates gathered at Adelaide Oval to celebrate the achievements of 100% Pay at 18+ campaign so far.

“We wanted to thank all of our SDA members for supporting the 100% Pay at 18+ campaign.

“Over 11,000 South Australians have signed up to support fair pay and we would not have been successful in the Fair Work Commission without your support,” he said.

In the Northern Territory, over a thousand SDA members and their families showed their support for equal pay at our annual Family Fun Day at Crocodylus Park.

“It was great to see our members in the NT and their families join the fight for 100% Pay at 18+.

“The SDA understands that equal pay for 18 and 19-year-old retail workers can really make a difference.

“We’re making sure that our younger workers are getting the pay they deserve,” said Peter.

FAIR PAY

Haven’t joined the fight for 100% Pay? Visit www.100percentpay.com.au

SDA keeps up the fight for


SDA protecting

our team of SDA union Reps in South Australia, Northern territory and Broken Hill are your face to face contact on the shop floor.

They are on the ground, in stores answering any workplace questions you may have.

If you encounter a problem that raises concern for your workplace, make sure you tell your Union Rep.

They have comprehensive experience dealing with store management to resolve issues.

They are regularly out and about in stores and are always happy to have a chat about any shop floor grievances – from health and safety concerns to rostering.

Our Union Reps also have all the information about what the SDA has been doing to make your workplace a better and safer place to work – from your latest SDA-negotiated pay rise to protecting your penalty rates.

SDA members can speak to our Union Reps any time when they’re out in stores.

They can often help answer your query right there on the shop floor, and if you need more detailed advice about a matter, they will make sure one of our SDA Case Managers contacts you.

Lawrence Ben

Kyall Smith Alex Martinson

Deanna Pignone

Jennifer Allison

Matt Ellis Nick Brown

Lou Bailey

Kiara Robins

Alistair Sage

Alasdair Henderson

Oliver Morris

Monique KalivisJohn Dunn

Fayth Christie

Emily Farrell

Awa Chibikwa

Matthew Di Caterina

Union REPS oN tHE GRouND

Amy Hayes

Dale Colbeck

Heidi Corinth

Stephanie Gheller


you at workCaSE managERS ANSWERiNG youR QuEStioNS AND RESolViNG PRoBlEMSFrom this month, the SDA has put on more staff dedicated to answering all of your individual workplace questions and resolving your issues in store.

Our Member Support team has three full-time Case Managers on hand to give you confidential advice and support when you need it.

No matter is too big or small to bring to the attention for our expert Case Managers.

They have extensive knowledge of SDA negotiated Agreements and are the best people to provide you with up to date and detailed information about your workplace entitlements.

It could be about your roster, sick leave or perhaps you need to check your rate of pay.

MeMber support HotLine

Our SDA Legal team of three experienced Lawyers provide you with free, confidential legal advice and representation.

The SDA understands that when you’re dealing with a serious workplace problem, it can be distressing and difficult to handle on your own but our SDA Lawyers are experts in resolving workplace disputes.

They’re on your side if you’ve been unfairly dismissed, underpaid, bullied or if your employer breaches your Workplace Agreement.

SDA members won’t pay a single cent for professional legal advice and representation from our legal team.

SDa LawyERS ADVoCAtiNG youR RiGHtS At WoRK

Our Case Managers are with you every step of the way, from a bit of advice over the phone right up to meeting with your store management to resolve an issue.

SDA members are encouraged to contact our Member Support Hotline, even if it’s just for a bit support.

SDA lEGAl SERViCESü WorkCover claimsüunfair dismissalsüunderpaymentsüBullyingüSexual harassment

Donald Blairs. llB (Hons) B.fin Brad Cagney, llB, BA, GDlP Monique Chettle, llB/lP (Hons) B. int. St

youR SDA lAWyERS

Zoi IzzoCASE MANAGER

Paul Grandison CASE MANAGER

Meg McPhee CASE MANAGER

CALL US ON

8139 1000


NT Family Fun Day

over 1,000 SDa members and their families attended our annual nT Family Fun Day at Crocodylus Park this year.

for the first time, members went crocodile spotting on the brand new river cruise boat ride at the park.

After grabbing something to eat off the barbeque, the kids were entertained all afternoon by free rides, a jumping castle, face painting and plenty of reptiles.

19

2120

22 23

24

25 26

2014 SDa MoVie niGHtS

AROUND the shops

5

1

2

6

7

10 119

8

12 13

4

15

16

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17

3

18

1. Dianne Martyn, Kmart Kurralta Park

2. Samantha Wescombe, Hungry Jack's Everard Park

3. Annette Radford, Kmart Kurralta Park

4. Leo Lu, Hungry Jack's Everard Park

5. Tim May, Hungry Jack's Everard Park

6. Danielle Modistach, Coles Anzac Highway

7. Radhe Osborn, KFC Everard park

8. Michelle Fletcher & Melissa Deighton, Kmart Marion

9. Johnny Carr, Coles Anzac Highway

10. Kay Shaw, Kmart Kurralta Park

11. Alex Nemeth, KFC Everard park

12. Aman Joshi, Coles Anzac Highway

13. Matthew Minerds, Coles Rundle Mall

14. Annie Grech, Adele Gracey, Annette Radford & Kay Shaw, Kmart Kurralta Park

15. Mark Bray, Coles Anzac Highway

16. Nathan Saluja, Hungry Jack's Everard Park

17. Adair Visentin, Coles Rundle Mall

18. Kylie Satterley & Jodie Hopkins, Coles Rundle Mall

19. Andrew Ford, Coles Anzac Highway

20. Ruzica Mark, Coles Anzac Highway

21. Marie Hinton, Coles Anzac Highway

22. Erin Hughes, Hungry Jack's Everard Park

23. Adelina Escleo, Coles Anzac Highway

24. Christine O'Reilly, Kmart Kurralta Park

25. Maria Spoleti, Coles Anzac Highway

26. Anna Brown & Tegan Arnold, Big W Marion

But did you know there’s more than one type of diabetes? One which doesn’t just strike those in middle or older age, or those with high blood pressure, weight problems, a poor diet and a lack of physical activity.

Type 1 diabetes, sometimes called juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune disease that usually occurs in childhood and lasts a lifetime.

While it can be diagnosed at any age, it typically first occurs in people under the age of 30.

There is no way to prevent or cure this disease and its causes are not fully understood, though genetics and environmental factors are believed to play a role.

Type 1 diabetes affects more than 122,300 people in Australia alone and 2000 people are diagnosed with it here each year – but it remains relatively unknown, probably because it accounts for only 10-15 per cent of all cases of diabetes.

The disease destroys the body’s ability to produce insulin, a vital hormone that keeps us alive.

Insulin lets our body process sugar to create energy - without it, we literally starve as we cannot digest food.

People with type 1 diabetes need multiple injections of insulin every day or to be connected to an insulin pump every day.

Sadly, though, insulin is not a cure for this cruel disease.

People with type 1 need to strictly manage their blood glucose levels 24 hours a day, which can place a lot of stress on them and their families.

They live in constant fear of the potentially life-threatening extremes of hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar, and hyperglycaemia, or high blood sugar.

On top of that is the considerable risk of serious complications, which can include eye disease and blindness, nerve damage and amputation, kidney disease and failure, heart attack and stroke, pregnancy complications and depression.

People with type 1 diabetes go to school and work; play sport; have hobbies and social lives just like the rest of us.

Working withType 1 diabetes Most people have heard of diabetes and think of it as a “lifestyle” disease – one that can be avoided or managed by means such as diet and exercise.

The positive aspects of type 1 diabetes is that you have a healthy lifestyle, having yearly medical checks, following routines, and above all, having a responsible attitude towards your health, which rubs off on to other life

attitudes including your work.

page20

In the workplace, just as in the wider world, they need to monitor and manage their condition carefully. And just like other workers, they may need health support at some time – whether routine or emergency.

There is plenty of anecdotal evidence to show that some people run their blood sugar levels higher to avoid having a hypoglycaemic attack at work - which has detrimental long-term impact on their organs.

Young people may also find it daunting to start a conversation with their employer or potential employer - the fear of judgment and discrimination is often the cause of young people going off the rails with their health management.

But it doesn’t need to be this way.

The most effective way to reduce the risk of adverse health impacts is for people to manage themselves well and feel comfortable that they have access and privacy in an accepting and educated workplace.

Indeed, there are many high achievers living and working effectively with type 1 diabetes.

It’s vital that employers and fellow employees allow those with type 1 diabetes to fulfill their employment aspirations without barriers.

Type 1 Voice policy positions on rights at work for employees with type 1 diabetes:

• Employerscannotdiscriminateagainst a person based on the fact that they have type 1;

• Firstaidofficersshouldensurethey have up to date training; which routinely includes management of first aid situations related to diabetes;

• Peoplewithtype1areunlikelyto experience a diabetes-related emergency if the workplace enables them to self-manage their wellbeing and provides them with appropriate flexibility and understanding when it is required;

SDA Members News Autumn 2014 l page 21

Eliza Bartlett, 21 yearsNurse, part-time in retail

(Diagnosed type 1 diabetes at 10 years old)

type 1 Diabetes and Work

• Peoplewithtype1areresponsible for self-managing their care every day, including in the workplace;

• Ifapersonwithtype1isunwellfor any reason, and unable to perform their job safely, they should not be at work – just like any other person;

• Type1canbewellmanagedanddoes not lead to any more days away from work than other people in the community;

• Peoplewithtype1self-managetheir condition by testing their blood glucose levels regularly, adjusting their insulin intake accordingly and keeping themselves in good general health;

• Workplacesshouldcreateasafeand supportive environment for people with type 1, which may start simply with an employer commitment to raising awareness and education.

the reality is, many individuals with type 1 diabetes work with few or no restrictions, their employers don’t even know that they have diabetes.

Q: at the time of your job interview what did you share with the employer about your condition?

A: I didn’t mention that I had type 1 at the time of my interview, I didn’t really feel it was necessary until I was successful and was offered the position.

Q: when did you tell your employer?

A: once I settled in and I felt comfortable with my colleagues and

employer, but I know it is probably better to let them know sooner in case I needed health support.

Q: How does your employer support you at work?

A: they are very supportive, they don’t make a fuss, they let me take a break early if I need to eat or my work mates just step in if I need to self manage or check my blood sugar levels.

Q.Do you feel there is a need for employers to know that a person has a health condition like type 1 diabetes?

A. Yes, because whether you are employee or employer, if you dealing with the general public anyone at anytime may need medical

assistance. With type 1 diabetes becoming more common it is important that people have a basic understanding and awareness of the condition, more importantly what they can do if someone needs support.

SDA UNION REP KYALL SMITH

Q&Aif my employer says i have to wear particular clothes for work, do i have pay for the

clothes myself?

In general the answer is no - you should not have to pay for clothes if your employer

requires you to wear them at work.

If your employer requires you to wear special clothing on the shop floor while you are working, your employer must reimburse the cost of the clothing.

Special clothing includes:

• uniforms(eg.shirtswiththecompanylogoon them)

• clothingfromthefloorstockinthestoreanemployee works in.

If an employee has to wear special or protective clothing, the employer has to:

• providetheclothingor

• reimbursetheemployeeforthecostoftheclothing.

Most SDA negotiated Agreements have a uniform provision, which may also help answer questions about the uniform policy in your store.

If you need specific advice about uniforms in your store, call the SDA on 8139 1000.

You should always feel safe at work, even if it’s getting to and from your workplace.

If you feel unsafe walking to and from your car in order to get to work, especially for late nights or early mornings, you can ask for help.

Many stores, particularly those in shopping complexes, have security who can escort you to your car upon request when your shift is finished.

You can also raise this issue with store management.

Let your store manager know that you feel uncomfortable walking by yourself to your car or to public transport.

They may be able to organise one of your fellow employees to escort you so that you feel safe.

If you need more detailed advice, your SDA Union Rep is always available to talk about work safety.

Sometimes i feel unsafe walking to my car when i finish work, what can i do?

SDA Members News Autumn 2014 l page 23

Domestic violence is a workplace issue and the SDA can help. If you are experiencing domestic violence it can affect your ability to work effectively and may also put yourself and your co-workers in danger in the workplace.

Is domestic or family violence affecting:• your ability to get to work on

time?

• your performance at work?

• your safety and/or safety of co-workers?

• your attendance at work?

• your ability to juggle work and family responsibilities?

How can the SDA help?

If you, or a family member you are supporting, are experiencing domestic

violence and it is impacting on your work, the SDA can:

• help you to gain information about – and access to – your entitlements;

• assist you in trying to negotiate flexible working arrangements;

• speak to management on your behalf about the impact of domestic violence at work;

• assist in developing a safety action plan with your employer, if necessary

WHAt iS A GRiEVANCE PRoCEDuRE?Every SDA-negotiated Workplace Agreement contains a grievance procedure.

The purpose of a grievance procedure is to give employees a clear path to follow if they have a problem at work.

When a problem arises at work, following the grievance procedure will help resolve the issue in the right way.

A typical grievance procedure:

1. If you have a problem, contact your immediate manager and raise the issue

2. If the problem is not resolved, raise the issue with your store manager. Remember, your SDA Delegate or Union Organiser can attend any meetings you have with store management for support.

3. If the problem is still not resolved, your store manager should refer the issue to the area or regional manager and your Union Organiser will be there to help if they haven’t already been involved.

4. If a resolution is still not found for the problem, it may be referred to head office of the company or filed for dispute in the Fair Work Commission

our SDA Member Support team can help solve any workplace grievance you may have – no matter how big or small.

if you need advice about how to resolve a problem you’re facing at work, speak to an experienced SDA Case Manager on 8139 1000.

DeAliNG with domestic violence

SAfE At HoME / SAfE At WoRK

ASk AN SDA CASe MANAGer

For assistance at work, contact the SDA on 8139 1000

For expert support and advice, including counselling, call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

SDA CASE MANAGER MEG MCPHEE

All SDA Members can Access their Frequent Values Discounts through the SDA SA & NT Virtual Card.

sda.com.auInforming retail, fast food & warehouse workers

sda.com.auInforming retail, fast food & warehouse workers

Introducing the BRAND NEW Frequent Values™ SDA SA & NT Virtual Card

It’s easy! Simply scan here:

Follow these simple steps...

Now you can not only view restaurants and cafés on the go. You can also show your smart phone to redeem!

If you do not already have a QR Reader, using a smart phone, visit your App store and download a QR Reader (free or paid) to your smart phone.

Alternatively, visit http://sdasa.frequent-values.com.au/m

Login to the website

Select your desired restaurant

Show your virtual card to redeem

sdasa.frequent-values.com.au

1 2 3

DON’T FORGET!

LOG IN at sda.com.au/discounts to see what’s on offer

Frequent Values offer a range of discounts at restaurants, theme parks, fast food outlets and much more...

AROUND the NT

1. Daniel Scannella & Thomas Motton, Bunnings Darwin

2. Ruth Collinson & Maria Pereira, Coles Casuarina

3. Lezlee Hall, Bunnings Darwin

4. Kazi Ahamed, Woolworths Casuarina

5. Cedrick Pacis, Kate Pacis & Jesse Stennet, Target Alice Springs

6. Trevor Motau, Woolworths Casuarina

7. Mal Crowley, Bunnings Alice Springs

8. Jacqueline Urron & Senerita Maugatai, Target Alice Springs

9. Troy Ioane & Tut Bol, Bunnings Alice Springs

10. Reggie Paynor & Czarina Perdiguerra, McDonald's Coolalinga

11. Daryl Stuckey & Soby Abraham, Woolworths Alice Springs

12. Kenaresha Peckham-Allison, Kmart Casuarina

13. Ramiro Maia, Coles Casuarina

14. Natasha Jacobsen & Cassie Hore, Kmart Alice Springs

15. Matthew Graham, Woolworths Alice Springs

16. Lily Galbrath & Raja Ghimire, Kmart Casuarina

17. Jemima Jones & Teresa Tregea, Bunnings Alice Springs

18. Debra Quarmby, Woolworths Alice Springs

19. Ruei Wal, Coles Alice Springs

20. Lul Titit, Woolworths Alice Springs

21. Amanda Raser & Shannon Cullen, Kmart Alice Springs

1

8

7654

32

11109

18

15

12

1716

13

20

19

21

14

Product issued by Retail Employees Superannuation Pty Ltd. Call us on 1800 737 878 or visit rest.com.au for a REST PDS to consider if it is right for you. Awards and ratings are only one factor to consider when deciding how to invest your super. SuperRatings Pty Limited does not issue, sell, guarantee or underwrite this product. Go to www.superratings.com.au for details of its ratings criteria. For further information about the methodology used by Chant West, see www.chantwest.com.au RES5174_SDA

REST Industry Super makes your super work harder and it has been recognised

by Money magazine, SuperRatings and Chant West as Fund of the Year 2014.

It’s a good thing you’re with REST.

Low fees Competitive long term performance Profit to members

rest.com.au 1800 737 878 (8am-8pm weekdays)

You’re with the winning team.

Fund of the Year 2014

page26


The Retail Employees SuperannuationTrust(REST)earned 13.3% on its investments in the 12 months to 30 June, 2014.

This followed the remarkable investment earnings of 18.4% in the year to 30 June, 2013.

Despite continuing uncertainty and volatility in world financial markets, REST’s earnings are boosting the superannuation savings of members in REST.

The result comes from continuing careful investment decisions made over the years which have placed REST among the leaders of super funds in Australia.

Solid Performance over time

REST has provided competitive investment returns over all time periods compared to its peers.

In the table below, REST is compared to the median of other comparable super funds as published by the Super Ratings Fund Crediting Survey.

reSt,

reSt earns 13.3% return

Performance to 30 June 2014

Period to 30 June 2014

REST % p.a.

median % p.a.

REST out-Performance

% p.a.

1 year 13.29% 12.66% 0.63%

3 years 10.60% 9.06% 1.54%

5 years 10.55% 9.21% 1.34%

7 years 5.58% 3.65% 1.93%

10 years 8.08% 6.78% 1.30%

REST has now reached 25 years of investment performance for its members in the retail and associated industries.

It has earned 9.5% per annum over the 20 years to 31 March, 2014.

By Joe De BruynSDA National Secretary-treasurer

PuTTiNG More MoNeyinto your retirement savings

reSt’s ranking

In the Super Ratings Survey, REST is ranked among its peers over various time periods as the table shows: -

Period to 30 June 2014

REST’s Ranking

1 year 13th out of 47 funds

3 years 2nd out of 47 funds

5 years 2nd out of 47 funds

7 years 1st out of 44 funds

10 years 1st out of 39 funds

The Global Financial Crisis hit world financial markets in September, 2008.

Taking this period into account in the 7 year and 10 year comparison, REST is the top performing fund in investment earnings over these time periods.

Secure investing

Superannuation is saving for retirement and is separate to the age pension.

It is an opportunity for low income workers to accumulate additional funds for their retirement years so that they are not totally reliant on the pension.

The earnings of your superannuation fund are therefore vital in maximising your account balance.

REST will continue to invest wisely and carefully in the future, seeking to combine secure investments and good earning rates.

Joe DE BRUYNSDA National Secretary-Treasurer

Ask An eXperienCeD sDA CAse MAnAger About:Rostering

Annual leave

Your EBA

Sick leave

Your rate of pay

Parental leave

Underpayments

Harassment

no matter is too big or small for the sDA.

8139 1000

8.30am – 9pm WEEKDAYS

9am – 5pm SATURDAYS

11am – 5pm SUNDAYS

MeMber support HotLine

Our team of experienced Case Managers are always available to help you with any workplace queries – whether it’s over the phone or on the shop floor.

zOI IzzO - CASE MANAGER

PAU

L GRANDISON - CASE MANAGER

MEG

M

CPHEE - CASE MANAGER

The SDA has tripled the number of staff dedicated to resolving workplace problems - for confidential advice and support when you need it.

sda members news - spring 2014

Documents

members area of

members newsspring

sda national union

sda sant branch

damon smith

senator bob day

youwoolies workers

australian workers