SDA Newcastle

A union is formed when a group of employees in a particular trade or industry come together to defend and promote their wages and working conditions through common action. The SDA promotes the interests and defends the rights of members. It gives members support and advice when negotiating with employers. Union affairs tend to be very time consumin... g and therefore full-time union officials are necessary to do the various jobs that need to be done if a union is to succeed in its aims. The SDA is a strong, efficient and progressive union, staffed by dedicated officials experienced in dealing with management at all levels. What does a Union do? Unions work to protect and to advance the wages and working conditions of their members. They are responsible for the wages and working conditions of most Australian workers. Unions negotiate for improvements to members working conditions through the award system and through enterprise bargaining to create certified agreements (sometimes known as EAs). Unions help to ensure that employers comply with these agreements and awards. They are responsible for trying to defend the jobs of workers against redundancy and retrenchment threats, and for obtaining social justice through improved wages and conditions for workers and their families. Unions also help women to achieve equality of opportunity in the workplace. 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. The SDA provides advice to its members free of charge. The only cost to members is the weekly cost of membership, which is tax deductible. This fee is based on a sliding scale to ensure workers who earn lower wages pay less for their membership. 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 ...Read More