In a big win for the country’s over 3,150 Costco workers, a new agreement delivering wage increases and improved conditions has been approved by the Fair Work Commission.
The Fair Work Commission approved the new Costco enterprise agreement on Monday 20 November. The agreement will come into effect from Wednesday 27 November.
SDA – the union for retail, fast-food and warehouse workers – National Secretary, Gerard Dwyer said the approval of the new agreement is an important step forward for workers.
“The approval of the new enterprise agreement is great news for the over 3,150 Costco workers at the twelve stores Australia-wide,” said Mr Dwyer.
“Having this new agreement approved is critical as workers will receive the benefits ahead of a busy Christmas period.
“This agreement delivers on the things workers have made clear matter to them, such as a significant pay increases for all employees, improved annual leave loading and increased late night penalty rates.
“The new agreement will see the starting rate for sales employees increase. That means the weekly rate for those workers is now at least $80 above the weekly award rate.
“It also ensures workers will get their rosters 14 days in advance, as opposed to the current seven. That makes a significant difference when you’re trying to juggle your work and family life.
“Importantly, the new agreement also provides for five days domestic violence leave,” Mr Dwyer said.
Key benefits of the new agreement include:
- Wage increase: 3% increase each year on all hourly classification rates.
- Annual leave loading of 17.5%.
- Supervisory Rate increased to $1.50 per hour.
- Rosters posted 14 days in advance. Currently, 7 days.
- Early morning work premium to apply till 7am in warehouses.
- Second 15 minute rest break after 7 hours instead of 8 hours.
- New home office classification rates and ecomm rates in NSW.
- Late night penalty increased from 107.5% to 125%.
- 5 days paid Domestic Violence leave.