(There are people that have found their way to this article by searching how to leave the SDA, anyways, so you know, you have to write them a letter. That’s the only way).
Another reason to hate the SDA! Ignoring their complete abuse of power on moral issues…
SDA reps and delegates claim that you are paid back all union fees (you may know them as “dues”) at the end of the financial year. Complete and utter crap. They are trying to confuse young retail workers who don’t understand the tax system into believing tat their tax return is actually a union fee refund. Put simply… it isn’t.
Your union fees are “tax deductible” which means they reduce your taxable income. So say you earnt $9000 this year, and paid $300 in union fees. This means your taxable income is $8700 (9000 – 300 = 8700!). So, on 9000, your average tax rate is 5% (9000 – 6000 = 3000, 3000/9000 = 1/3. 1/3 * 15% tax = 5%) so you get 5% of your union fees back. That’s a whopping $15. Net loss, $285.
Now, see… the thing is, the PAYG system is designed to take MORE money than you owe in tax so inevitably the ATO will always owe you money so you won’t have a hefty tax bill at the end of the year. So… in this case, if I calculated without being in SDA, I’d receive $15 less on my tax return (which is generally in the $200 – $300 range, including if you’re not in the SDA! You’ll still get this money! Just $15 less in this example!) So… if you weren’t in the SDA… you’d get $15 less from your tax return but pay $300 (in reality it’s always greater than $300) less in union fees. $285+ gain!
Of course, you might believe the SDA is good and in which case you’re free to be a member. Just don’t believe the bullshit about getting your union fees back… you’ll be getting money back regardless of your membership of the union.
(I guess I’d better state that these are all examples and this isn’t financial advice e.t.c)
