Retail workers’ union SDA has secured a new agreement for Priceline Pharmacy workers that improves penalty rates and leave conditions for staff.
The new agreement, which came into effect on Friday March 8, will see annual pay increases backdated from July last year, through to July 2020.
“Wage growth for Australian workers is at an all time low and we’re proud we’ve been able to lock in strong annual pay increases for Priceline workers for the next three years,” SDA national secretary Gerard Dwyer said.
“Priceline workers will receive an immediate 3.5 per cent pay increase backdated from 1 July 2018, and 3 per cent pay increases from 1 July 2019 and 1 July 2020. This means the permanent hourly rate for Priceline workers will increase to A$21.81 and the casual hourly rate will increase to A$27.26 per hour. With the rate of inflation at 1.8 per cent these pay increases will make it a little easier for Priceline workers and their families to make ends meet.”
The new agreement also includes five days paid and five days unpaid Family and Domestic Violence Leave for all employees per year.
“Unions, employers and government must all take responsibility for addressing family and domestic violence and we’re pleased we’ve taken the first steps in this agreement,” said Dwyer.
Workers will also be paid superannuation on all paid leave, including paid parental leave. The SDA said this will help address the gender pay gap, as previously superannuation was not paid when parental leave was taken.