Photographer / Artem Bali
In a recent and significant decision for retailers and employers captured by the General Retail Industry Award 2010, the Fair Work Commission has handed down its decision following the 4 yearly review of the Award and has determined to increase penalty rates for casual retail employees on Saturdays and weeknights after 6:00pm. In addition, the Commission has also determined to reduce the Sunday shiftwork penalty rate for both permanent and casual employees.
The changes to the penalty rates will be phased over 3 years with the Saturday penalty rate for casuals to be increased by an additional 25% by 1 March 2020 and with the evening work penalty rate for casuals to be increased by an additional 25% by 1 March 2021. By 1 July 2020 the Sunday shiftwork penalty rate for permanent employees will be reduced from 200% to 175% and for casual employees the Sunday shiftwork penalty rate will be reduced from 225% to 200%.
The changes will be phased as follows:
Sunday Shiftwork Penalty Rate
Current - FT & PT Shiftworkers - 200% | Casual shiftworkers - 225%
1 November 2018 - FT & PT Shiftworkers - 195% | Casual shiftworkers - 220%
1 July 2019 - FT & PT Shiftworkers - 190% | Casual shiftworkers - 215%
1 July 2020 - FT & PT Shiftworkers - 175% | Casual shiftworkers - 200%
Evening Work – Monday to Friday
1 November 2018 - Casual Employees - 5%
1 October 2019 - Casual Employees - 10%
1 March 2020 - Casual Employees - 15%
1 October 2020 - Casual Employees - 20%
1 March 2021 - Casual Employees - 25%
Saturday Work
1 November 2018 - Casual Employees - 15%
1 October 2019 - Casual Employees - 20%
1 March 2020 - Causal Employees - 25%
With the first phase of increases to apply from 1 November 2018, employers should ensure they are informed of and promptly implement the changes for all applicable employees.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any further information or assistance implementing these changes.
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