APPLICATION BY SDA TO REMOVE JUNIOR RATES FOR EMPLOYEES WHO ARE 18 YEARS OR OLDER FROM 3 AWARDS

The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SDA) has applied to change (vary) the minimum rates for junior employees in 3 awards.
 
The SDA has applied to change the following 3 awards:

• General Retail Industry Award 2020
• Fast Food Industry Award 2020
• Pharmacy Industry Award 2020

The application seeks to remove junior rates for employees who are 18 years or older from these awards.
 
A Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission will hear all evidence between Monday 27 October and Friday 7 November 2025.
 
We will keep you informed.

 
FAIR WORK COMMISSION CONFRONTS ‘MASSIVE’ WORKLOAD SURGE

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) is seeking to improve efficiency as it is faced with unsustainable growth in its caseload.
 
It has been reported that unfair dismissal claims have surged 27% past their long-term average.   If this trend continues it will reach 50,000 applications for the financial year 2026.
 
Australian Industry Group said employers were increasingly sharing concerns about getting dragged into the FWC for cases with no merit in what were blatant attempts to game the system to secure ‘go away money’.
 
The FWC will soon require employees to articulate their cases ‘more rigorously, hold shorter conferences only concerned with settlement and terminate mediation if neither of the parties want to settle.

 
FEDERAL COURT DECISION – WOOLWORTHS & COLES UNDERPAYMENTS – SALARIED STAFF

Further to our September 2025 Blog:

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA), National Retail Association (NRA), Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Business Council of Australia (BCA) and Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) said in a joint statement that the decision will result in higher costs, an increased compliance burden and reduced productivity.
 
It also highlights the onerous nature of requirements to keep detailed records of hours worked and award entitlements, even in circumstances where an employee may be paid an annual salary that significantly exceeds the value of entitlements, the statement reads.
 
As per the judgement, salaries, including at senior levels, cannot be used to offset award entitlements on an annual basis, as has been a longstanding practice across most industries.
 
The peak bodies are calling for sensible steps to simplify the workplace relations system, including addressing the complex system of awards and unrealistic record keeping requirements.

 
RULES AND ENTITLEMENTS DURING THE END-OF-YEAR HOLIDAY SEASON

Employers and employees need to start planning for the end-of-year holiday season.
 
Many businesses get busier this time of year and may need their employees to work more hours and on public holidays. Other businesses may shut down (also known as a ‘close down’) or reduce their staff numbers.
 
Find out about the rules and entitlements during the end-of-year holiday season that may affect you.
 


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