Knowing about your rights, wages and conditions is vital to ensure you are being treated fairly at work.
Every workplace has different wages and conditions, but there are some rights that we are all entitled to no matter where you work.
How do I know if I’m being paid correctly?
Wages vary based on your classification, skill level, type of employment and the industry you work in. Wages can be found in either your agreement or the award you are covered by.
To make sure you are being paid the correct rate you can:
- Check the wages clause in you agreement or award
- Make sure you are classified properly with our classification experts, MISTAS
What are my conditions at work?
Conditions include your entitlements to penalty rates, hours of work, overtime, annual leave, sick leave, break times and more.
These conditions are outlined in your agreement or the award you are covered by, but remember that your letter of offer, contract of employment and company policies can also determine your conditions.
If you are ever unsure of your conditions, please contact your delegate or AMWU organiser.
What is the government safety net?
On top of the rights and conditions set out in your agreement or award, the National Employment Standards provide a safety net for all employees not employed directly by a state government or council.
While your agreement or award can provide you with ‘better’ conditions than the National Employment Standards, they cannot be worse than these standards.
The 10 minimum standards provided for by the National Employment Standards are:
- maximum weekly hours
- flexible working arrangements
- parental leave
- annual leave
- personal/carer's leave and compassionate leave
- community service leave
- long service leave
- public holidays
- notice of termination and redundancy pay and
- the Fair Work Information Statement.
Contact your delegate if you want to know more about your rights at work.
