RETAIL, fast-food and warehouse workers from across the Mid North Coast gathered in Port Macquarie on Thursday 5 March, to join the bid for improved pay and work-life balance.
Delegates from the Union for Workers in Retail, Fast Food, Warehousing (SDA) NSW, met at the Mercure Centro to officially kick off the statewide “Better Wages – We’re Worth It” campaign.
They’re calling for pay rises that keep pace with the rising cost of living and a new public holiday in September to be known as “Family and Community Day”.
SDA NSW/ACT Secretary Bernie Smith said essential workers in retail, fast food and warehousing carried much of the pressure created by rising living costs.
“The people who keep our shops open, our warehouses moving and our fast-food outlets running are struggling to keep up with rent, groceries and power bills,” Mr Smith said.
“They deserve better wages – wages that actually reflect the essential role they play in our communities.”
The union proposed the new public holiday for the start of Spring in September to give workers and families much-needed shared time together.
Mr Smith said NSW had fewer public holidays than several other states, including Victoria and the ACT.
“Family & Community Day would give people time to reconnect while also providing a welcome boost for regional tourism and hospitality businesses.”
The union invited local community groups, councils and tourism bodies across the Mid North Coast to support the proposal.
“A September public holiday would be a real boost for local cafes, shops and accommodation providers – particularly in regional communities like Port Macquarie,” Mr Smith said.
“It’s time to deliver it for the benefit of everyone.”
The Port Macquarie meeting formed part of a statewide tour of delegates during March.
By Sis HIGGINS
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