18 thousand supermarket workers have accepted better pay offers.

Members of First Union at Countdown supermarkets have voted in favour of wage increases starting at 11.5 percent, the supermarket chain's also implementing a starting living wage and more options for sick leave.

Increased pay means Countdown workers will be some of the highest paid in the sector, with the union celebrating what they're saying are better conditions.

First Union Secretary Ben Peterson says it's what the workers deserve.

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