Pay rises don’t fall from the sky.
Unions and union members win them together.
Through the Annual Wage Review and workplace negotiations, the North Queensland Retail Union Alliance advocates for higher wages and a genuine living wage for Woolworths and all retail workers.
As an NQRUA member, you have support at work, access to advice and representation, and a collective voice working for better wages and conditions.
How Woolworths workers win pay rises
The Annual Wage Review
Each year, the Fair Work Commission reviews award and minimum wages through the Annual Wage Review.
This process determines what the base pay rates for Woolies workers should increase by from 1 July.
This year, we are backing the Australian Council of Trade Unions’ call for a 5% increase.
The NQRUA’s role
The Alliance prepares and lodges a submission to the Fair Work Commission, arguing the case for higher wages and a genuine living wage for Woolies workers.
We present evidence about the cost of living and the realities workers face on the shop floor.
The Woolworths Agreement
The NQRUA negotiates the Woolworths Agreement, which sets pay and conditions for Woolworths workers.
This Agreement delivers higher wages than the Retail Award, as well as protections around hours, rostering and workplace rights.
As part of the Woolworths Agreement, workers also receive a pay rise each year in line with the Annual Wage Review.
What workers have won
Through the Annual Wage Review, workers have secured important pay rises in recent years:
2023 – 5.75%
2024 – 3.75%
2025 – 3.5%
Pay rises don’t just happen. They are won when workers stand together through their union.
How pay rises for Woolworths workers are decided
Each year, wages across the retail industry are reviewed through a process called the Annual Wage Review.
The decision is made by the Fair Work Commission, Australia’s independent workplace tribunal. Any increase determined by the review flows through to retail wages from 1 July.
Woolworths workers are covered by the Woolworths Agreement, which is negotiated by the NQRUA and provides pay rates and conditions above the Retail Award.
Under the Agreement, the Annual Wage Review increase is applied each year to ensure Woolworths workers receive pay rises in line with the national wage decision.
- Unions argue the case for workers
Unions prepare detailed submissions arguing the case for higher wages and a genuine living wage for retail workers.
These submissions include evidence about the cost of living and the realities workers face on the shop floor.
- Big business argues their side
Unions prepare detailed submissions arguing the case for higher wages and a genuine living wage for retail workers.
These submissions include evidence about the cost of living and the realities workers face on the shop floor.
- Governments also provide input
State and federal governments can make submissions outlining their views on wages and the economy.
- The Fair Work Commission makes their decision
After reviewing all submissions, evidence and economic data, the Fair Work Commission decides whether wages should increase.
- Why workers’ voices matter
Experiences from Woolworths workers help demonstrate the real pressures of retail work.
When workers speak up together through their union, it strengthens the case for better wages across the industry.
Over 200,000 workers stand together through the NQRUA
Retail workers have won significant pay rises in recent years
The NQRUA represents Woolworths workers in the Annual Wage Review and in negotiations
Workers’ voices strengthen the case for better wages
- But the benefits of membership don’t stop there…
- Advice and support about your pay and workplace rights
- Representation in case issues arise at work
- Help with roster, pay, or workplace concerns
- Member news, resources, and updates
- Discounts and member benefits
Quick signup. Flexible membership. Support when you need it.