SDA SA branch president Lyn Rivers, 81, remembered as ‘guiding light’ after death

The retail union’s long-serving president, who championed workers' rights for more than 60 years and never missed a meeting, has died aged 81.

The late Lyn Rivers, pictured in 2016 working at Harris Scarfe as a door-greeter. Picture: Stephen Laffer

Long-serving union president Lyn Rivers is being remembered for her “extraordinary commitment” in championing retail workers after she passed away last week aged 81.

Ms Rivers had served since 2007 as president of the South Australian branch of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association, also known as the Shoppies union.

In a statement posted to Facebook on Monday, the SDA said she had been a member of the union for over 60 years and continued to be a “guiding light for our branch” until her final days.

SDA Branch President Lyn Rivers has passed away.

“She worked closely with SDA secretaries Don Farrell, Peter Malinauskas, Sonia Romeo, and Josh Peak to drive meaningful progress and change for all retail, fast food and warehouse workers,” the statement said.

“She never missed a union meeting, never hesitated to speak up, and always stood up for what was right.

“We are incredibly grateful for her extraordinary commitment to the union movement, to retail workers, and to her fellow members.”

Ms Rivers had a long career in retail, working at Adelaide stores including Paynes Bon Marche, John Martin’s, Myer, David Jones and Harris Scarfe.

Peter Malinauskas said he was “so saddened by her passing” and Ms Rivers had been “such a good woman”.

The late Lyn Rivers, pictured in 2016 working at Harris Scarfe as a door-greeter. Picture: Stephen Laffer

“From fighting for the survival of Harris Scarfe to leading the charge against penalty rate cuts, Lyn was calm, considered and always strong,” he said.

“I feel so fortunate to have had the chance to work by Lyn’s side.”

Senator and federal Trade Minister Don Farrell said she had fought “every day for the rights of her colleagues and retail workers everywhere”.

“Lyn Rivers made an immeasurable contribution to the South Australian union movement during her time as a delegate and president of the SDA,” he said.

SA Unions secretary Dale Beasley said Ms Rivers was a “truly passionate rank and file retail worker” and an “unwavering advocate for her workmates”.

“She was well-loved and embodied the very spirit of what it means to be a unionist,” he said. “Lyn’s passing is a profound loss for the South Australian union movement.”

Dozens of people shared online tributes to the stalwart on Monday, including Human Services Minister Nat Cook, who said she would “definitely miss bumping into and chatting with Lyn”.

Labor Member for Newland Olivia Savvas said she was “so incredibly sad”, and former Harris Scarfe worker Craig Bates said Ms Rivers was “a lovely lady”.

Originally published as SDA SA branch president Lyn Rivers, 81, remembered as ‘guiding light’ after death