Monday, April 09, 2012

Union NSW: Easter penalty rates warning

Unions have issued a reminder to employees who have to work the Easter long weekend to ensure they're paid proper penalty rates.

Analysis by The Australia Institute shows almost three in ten casual workers (28%) perform unpaid overtime.

And the most recent ABS Social Trends paper indicates that 36% of casuals do not get a loading rate.

Unions NSW Secretary, Mark Lennon, said casual employees were particularly vulnerable to being ripped off during public holiday periods.

"In key industries such as retail and hospitality, special loading rates of double time and a half tend to apply for working Easter Sunday.

"It's vitally important employees are aware of this, and if they're in any doubt or think they're being ripped off, they should contact their union delegate or organiser."

Mr Lennon also reminded employees that it was voluntary to work on public holidays such as Easter Sunday.

"No worker should feel coerced into working Easter Sunday  - you have every right to decline a shift," Mr Lennon said.

"The Easter long weekend is a good time to relax with family and friends and that's what we encourage working people to do.

For the broader community, it's worth sparing a thought for the workers who keep our restaurants, stores, hospitals and police stations staffed while the rest of us are relaxing."


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