Union Briefs

June 24, 2017
Issue 

Senate to investigate SDA deals

The giant Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) will be subject to a parliamentary inquiry over wage deals that have cost workers hundreds of millions of dollars.

The Senate inquiry, initiated by Nick Xenophon and backed by the Greens, will examine claims that workers at retailers such as McDonald's, KFC and Coles are paid penalty rates under their SDA-negotiated enterprise agreements that are lower than the industry award.

The inquiry will also examine the better-off-overall test and whether the Fair Work Act needs to be changed to protect these workers.

Labor’s penalty rates amendment fails

Labor moved an amendment to a government bill on June 20, which would have overruled the decision by the Fair Work Commission to reduce weekend and public holiday rates for 700,000 workers in the hospitality, pharmacy, retail and fast food industries.

Under the proposed changes, the Fair Work Commission would no longer have the power to reduce penalty rates in modern awards.

It would also prevent unions from bargaining away penalty rates.

The bill was supported by the Greens’ Adam Bandt, the Nick Xenophon Team’s Rebekah Sharkie and the Nationals’ George Christensen, but lost 73–72.

Like the article? Subscribe to Green Left now! You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

You need Green Left, and we need you!

Green Left is funded by contributions from readers and supporters. Help us reach our funding target.

Make a One-off Donation or choose from one of our Monthly Donation options.

Become a supporter to get the digital edition for $5 per month or the print edition for $10 per month. One-time payment options are available.

You can also call 1800 634 206 to make a donation or to become a supporter. Thank you.