What is an Award and how should I be paid?
So many people across Australia are unaware of the wage they should be paid and their entitlements as an employee. If you are employed under an award, everything you need to know is easily accessible online. Hopefully, some information in this post will help you.
What is an award?
To ensure that all employees are being paid at or above the minimum wage, and are being offered required entitlements such as breaks and overtime, the Government created awards.
These are detailed documents that are specific to industries and jobs within those industries. They list things such as:
- pay rates;
- leave and break requirements;
- redundancy;
- requirements for quitting a job;
- as well as a large range of other entitlements that you as an employee are entitled to.
How do I know what award I am employed under?
When you start a new job, you should be given a contract with the details of your employment. This contract should list on it the award you are paid under and your employed position information.
If you do not have a contract, it would be a good idea to ask your employer for a copy of the contract and also confirm with them what award you are under.
Alternately, Fair Work has a section on their website that can help you identify which award you should be under – ‘Find my award’.
Where do I find an award?
Once you know what award you are under, you are able to view and read the details of your award online. To ensure you are viewing the most up-to-date and correct information, always ensure you are viewing the award through Fair Work – ‘List of awards’.
You should always view the award online, do not save or print the PDF version to refer to later as the information may no longer be current.
Do award rates and entitlements change?
YES – an important point to note.
Modern awards change – these are reviewed by appropriately suited parties to ensure that changes are implemented. These changes are completed to ensure that minimum employee requirements are in line with the expectations and operations of current national financial needs.
As mentioned above, ensure that you are viewing awards online so that you are ensured it is the most up-to-date information.
What if I think I am not getting paid or receiving entitlements that I should be?
If you think something is wrong, firstly get your facts in order. Review your contract against your award and record down where any issues arise.
Secondly, raise the issue with your employer, it may be a simple mistake that can be amended.
Thirdly, if the issue is not able to be resolved with your employer, raise the information with Fair Work to look into this further.
Top tips:
- When you start a new job, be sure that you get a contract – if you don’t ask for one.
- If you don’t know what award you are employed under – ask.
- Read over your award and make sure your pay and entitlements are correct
- If something is wrong, or believed to be wrong – question it.
- Note that modern awards change, make sure to check your award for changes every few years.
You as an employee have entitlements – make sure that your employer is keeping their end of the bargain.
Hope this helps.
-Kaitlin-