Changes to breaks between work periods in the Retail Award

The Fair Work Commission (the Commission) has made changes to the wording of the Retail Award concerning the pay rate for employees when they don’t get the minimum break between shifts.

An employee gets a higher pay rate if they work a shift without getting a 12 hour break between their shifts (or 10 hours by agreement). All hours worked without this necessary break are paid at 200% of their minimum hourly rate until they get the minimum break of 12 hours (or 10 by agreement).

All ordinary hours performed on public holidays is paid at the penalty rates prescribed in clause 22.1.

Casuals also get their casual loading, calculated on their minimum hourly rate.

These changes took effect from the first full pay period on or after 14 May 2024.