Woolworths Announces Operating Changes
Go Back- 6th June 2019
Yesterday Woolworths announced and started discussing with team members a restructure of the store operating model for Woolworths Supermarkets nationally. Some members have contacted the SDA about the proposed changes to the store operating model after they have had discussions with their local managers about the proposed changes.
SDA Members Have Our Support
All SDA members have our full support. The SDA’s focus in this restructure will be on protecting members’ ongoing employment and minimising the impact of any changes on our members.
SDA members are advised not to rush into any decision as there will need to be a lot of consultation and discussion with Woolworths on these proposed changes to minimise the impact on members.
Existing Team Members To Get Preference
Woolworths have made it clear that existing team members will get preference for any new roles.
The SDA encourages all members to apply for a new role. Our priority is to secure ongoing employment for SDA members.
Members do not have to put in a detailed application or CV to be part of the application process. Application is made through Success Factors, and you can select any and all of positions in which you are interested.
In assessing applicants for positions Woolworths will:
- Use an online quiz tool;
- Have an interview with the applicants; and
- Review your past work performance appraisals
Woolworths have said they wanted a fair process, so if members have any concerns about bias and want your interview to be conducted by a different manager to your current store manager you can request a different interviewer.
Where a team member is not successful in obtaining a new role, Woolworths will seek to redeploy the team member to another role. Redundancies will only be considered as a last option, where no other opportunity is available.
In cases where a Team Member is considering accepting a different role of a position with a lower rate of pay you should contact the SDA to discuss what impact this will have on you. We can then discuss with you and Woolworths what conditions will apply to your new role or whether Woolworths should pay you a partial redundancy.
It is important that any SDA member impacted by the change to their role contact the SDA for advice and assistance and, as always, sign nothing until you have sought advice.
SDA Raising Concerns on Behalf Of Members
The SDA’s position is that where a Team Member is not successful in applying for a new role, redeployment should be the primary focus, with redundancy being available only at the Team Member’s request, or where redeployment is not available.
While the SDA welcomes the approach of Woolworths Supermarkets to find alternative employment for employees to ensure continuing employment, the SDA’s position is that it must be alternative employment which is acceptable to employees.
Employees must not feel pressured to take a role for which they are not suited.
The SDA will engage Woolworths to work through all issues on behalf of affected SDA members.
Advice on Redundancy
If members are considering taking a redundancy they should contact the SDA on 1300 ASK SDA to check their entitlements. Some members may also wish to contact REST Superannuation for information on 1300 300 778.
At Work With You
As members go through this difficult process the SDA will be at work with you. We are only a phone call away on 1300 ASK SDA (that's 1300 275 732) to provide support and assistance.
