SDA – Aldi Management forced to consult on future agreements

December 09, 2016

• Aldi decision protects right to representation for all 
• Management forced to consult on future agreements 
• Workers will now have a say on wages and conditions 

The SDA has won a critical case in the Federal Court that ensures Aldi workers and in turn all Australians can have their say on future wages and conditions.

The dispute arose when ALDI managed to have an Enterprise Agreement approved in the Fair Work Commission without consulting the employees who would be covered by the agreement.

SDA National Secretary, Gerard Dwyer, said the SDA strongly argued against the approval of the agreement, all the way to the Federal Court, and won. 

• “This decision isn’t just about ALDI workers - it also sends a clear message to employers to appropriately consult workers about their pay and entitlements. 
• “Now, all Australian workers will have their say on all future agreements and their right to representation is guaranteed,” Mr Dwyer said.  

Retail worker and SDA member Trent Hunter knows the importance of union representation in the workplace. As a union delegate he takes his role as an advocate for members very seriously. 

• “Making sure members know their rights and entitlements is very important to me. Whether it’s related to breaks or pay, having the support of the union empowers us to have a say. 
• “If it wasn’t for unions protecting our workers’ rights, protecting our standard of living and ensuring we have a safe workplace, we would lose our rights and entitlements we take for granted today.”