A Century of Service

From the first Federal Rules of 1908, Objects Clause AIMS AND OBJECTS: The objects of this Union shall be to promote the interests of its members by fostering and promoting a fraternal and sympathetic co-operation with each other, … and to use every legitimate means to advance the best interests of its members – morally, socially, and intellectually

The Working Week
1908
Unregulated:
69 ½ hours not uncommon for full-time workers

The Working Week 2008 38 hours standard for full-time workers

Certificate of Registration, issued 20 May 1908

SDA membership 1908 2,000

2008
over
200,000
SDA membership

Preamble to original Rules, from the NSW Branch version (1909): The Shop Assistants and Warehouse Employees Federation of Australia has been organised to unite the interests of Shop Assistants, with a view of removing the many disabilities under which they now labor … Therefore, no Assistant is true to himself or herself who remains outside the Union, and every member thereof should be a missionary to induce additional membership.

Annual Leave
1908
No entitlement

Annual Leave 2008 4 weeks protected

MOTTO: For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do. From the 1908 NSW Branch rules. - As relevant today as it was then!

Women at Work
1908
Women receive 63 % of the male wage

Women at Work
2008
Pay equity
Laws against Sexual Harassment
Entitlement to Maternity Leave
Entitlement to Parental and Personal/Carer’s Leave
Equal Employment Opportunity

Original Rule Book showing Union emblem 1909

Retirement
1908
Pension entitlement is £26/year
No superannuation

Retirement
2008
REST – Members’ own Super fund
Compulsory 9 % employer contributions
Co-contribution benefit available

Turn-of-Century 8 Hour Day rally, Melbourne

Union Executive 1908-1909 Makers of the first Retail Award

SDA National Council 2007

Resolution of the Federal Council, dated 18 January 1908, to register the Association under the Commonwealth Act

1908
No protection
Protection against Dismissal

2008
Unlawful Dismissal protection
Unfair Dismissal protection for nearly all SDA members
Protection against Dismissal

South Australia
New South Wales
Victoria
Queensland
Western Australia joined 1960 Tasmania joined 1963 Newcastle joined 1964 Founding Branches of the SDA in 1908:

1908 Working time required for Shop Assistant to earn the cost of a loaf of bread 1.45 hours (male) 2.3 hours (female)

2008 Working time required for Shop Assistant to earn the cost of a loaf of bread About 5 minutes

The 1907 Harvester case establishes the right to be paid sufficiently to support a household Port 7. 0 Groceries 13. 0 Milk 3. 8 Bread 3. 0 Vegetation 9. 6 Sewing machine hire 8. 6 Hose 3. 0 Clothing 4. 0 _________________ 2. 15. 16 Evidence of the cost of living, presented in the Harvester case

From a real 19 th Century work contract :
Must attend prayers at work
Must bring own coal each day to heat stove
Not allowed to talk to other staff during work time
Must continue working while on the meal break
Not allowed to drink or smoke outside work
Not allowed to leave store without permission
At the time, this was described as “Utopian”!
Work conditions

2008 – very different!
Meal breaks and rest pauses protected
Sunday & public holiday penalty rates
OH&S laws
Workers’ Compensation
Paid leave entitlements
Equal employment opportunities
Work conditions

Actively defending Rights at Work Then…

Actively defending Rights at Work … and now

Queensland rally celebrating first anniversary of the 8 hour day

Anthony Hordern & Sons
David Jones
Marcus Clark
Myer
Mark Foy’s
W W Campbell
Major retail employers in 1908

Major retail employers in 2008

A Century of Service

by Michael Walker

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