The Coles SDA Agreement 2019: What You Need to Know
In 2019, Coles signed a new agreement with the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA), which represents over 200,000 retail workers in Australia. The agreement covers Coles supermarkets, Liquorland, First Choice Liquor, and Coles Express.
The Coles SDA Agreement 2019 includes a number of changes to pay and conditions for Coles employees. Here are some key points:
1. Pay increases: Coles employees will receive a 3% pay increase each year for the next four years. This is above the rate of inflation and is designed to keep pace with the rising cost of living.
2. Penalty rates: Penalty rates for working on weekends and public holidays will be maintained at their current level. This is a significant win for retail workers, as penalty rates have been under threat in recent years.
3. Improved job security: The agreement includes a number of measures to improve job security for Coles employees. This includes greater access to permanent positions, restrictions on the use of casual and fixed-term contracts, and protections against unfair dismissal.
4. Better parental leave: The agreement includes improved parental leave entitlements, including increased paid parental leave and better access to flexible working arrangements.
5. Health and safety: The agreement includes a range of measures to improve health and safety in the workplace, including training and education programs, and measures to prevent workplace violence and bullying.
Overall, the Coles SDA Agreement 2019 is a significant win for retail workers. It provides greater pay and job security, maintains penalty rates, and includes a range of measures to improve health and safety in the workplace. As the largest private sector employer in Australia, Coles has a significant impact on the retail industry, and this agreement sets an important precedent for other retailers to follow.
