RAFFWU has launched landmark court action against Berkelouw Leichhardt Pty Ltd and Cordeaux Creek Pty Ltd for unlawfully taking adverse action against RAFFWU members in the bookstores they operate. The employers operate all fourteen Harry Hartog bookstores and four Berkelouw Books bookstores at Paddington, Leichhardt, Mona Vale and Hornsby.
For thirteen years, Berkelouw Leichhardt Pty Ltd and Cordeaux Creek Pty Ltd have inflicted a woeful ‘agreement’ made with 6 café workers in 2012 on bookshop workers across Australia. A deal no bookshop worker ever voted on.
In August 2025, over 100 bookshop workers decided that deal must be replaced with a genuine agreement which delivers dignity and respect. A deal that finally delivers fair wages and conditions.
RAFFWU brought the employers to the bargaining table but they tried to delay and frustrate a fair new agreement. On 3 December 2025 an independent ballot agent declared a staggering 98% of workers had voted to authorise industrial action. On 10 December 2025, workers represented by RAFFWU commenced bans which saw the employers slash worker pay by 37%. Then workers took strike action including a 5 day strike leading into Christmas.
Rather than meet and negotiate a fair deal before Christmas, the employers hatched a plan to strip striking workers of shifts. Part-time and casual workers who already had their pay slashed, or withheld altogether during strikes, were stripped of the shifts which paid for a roof over their head and which put food on the table.
Instead, the employers handed the shifts to strike breakers. Overwhelmingly inexperienced workers who had been paid bonuses to break the strike. Those strike breakers were gifted the hours originally rostered to workers who were taking action for a fair agreement. RAFFWU alleges the employers took unlawful adverse action against members represented by RAFFWU in bargaining, members engaging in industrial action.
Quotes attributable to Josh Cullinan, RAFFWU Director Strategic Litigation
“RAFFWU will never allow employers to unlawfully target members engaged in protected industrial action.”
“These workers have no penalty rates on weeknights or Saturday. Their part-time work is casualised without any loading. There are no agreement protections against unfair treatment or unsafe workplaces.”
“RAFFWU members stood together for a better deal, giving up wages while on strike.”
“We allege the employers stripped workers of shifts because they were implementing bans, on strike, represented by RAFFWU.”
“Members were shocked to see their shifts stripped from them and handed to strike breakers.”
“We will not let these employers weaponise job insecurity against workers on poverty wages.”
“Our court action will hold the employers to account and defend the right of our members to engage in protected industrial action.”
Quotes attributable to Anita Donovan, RAFFWU Member and Bookseller at Berkelouw Books Leichhardt
“I work at Berkelouw Books Leichhardt and have two regular shifts per week. I’m proud of our campaign with RAFFWU and the action we’ve taken to get a fair deal. My team works hard and we love the community we’ve built at this store.”
“I took note of my roster on the 22nd of December. On Christmas Eve I saw that both my regular shifts for the following week had been cut. There was no notice, my shifts were simply handed to people who weren’t taking action.”
“I love what I do. Taking action for fair wages doesn’t change that, but taking part in a lawful campaign has made me a target. So be it. I’ll continue to stand up for what I believe in.”
“I know RAFFWU has my back which is why so many of us have built our union. We’re not going anywhere.”
Media: Josh Cullinan, Director Strategic Litigation, 0416 241 763 or jcullinan@raffwu.org.au
Download Media Release With Images of Anita Taking Action Here:
The Retail and Fast Food Workers Union Incorporated (RAFFWU) is the fighting union for retail and fast food workers throughout Australia having formed in 2016. The courts have recognised the critical role RAFFWU plays in defending worker rights and acting in the national interest. More about RAFFWU is on our website at www.raffwu.org.au
RAFFWU is proudly represented by PRD Legal in this action. More information about PRD Legal is available on their website at www.prdlegal.com