In addition to the following FAQs provided by NSW Industrial Relations, also see our general information page on NSW Local Government industrial relations.
There are different arrangements for workers based on factors such as a worker’s job classification or a worker’s start date of employment. Check the award as conditions apply.
The ordinary hours of work for workers vary depending on their job classification, location, and the start date of the worker. Ordinary hours of work can be performed on any day of the week from Monday to Sunday with some exceptions applying. There are some specific classifications of workers who can work a 35-hour working week Monday to Friday. Check the award as conditions apply.
Workers who work outside a specific span of hours, Monday to Friday are entitled to a 20% penalty in addition to their ordinary pay. There are additional penalty rates that may apply for workers working in specific job roles prior to 1 July 2020. Check the award as conditions apply.
Yes, workers who work on weekends may be considered to work ordinary hours however some exceptions apply.
Workers working ordinary hours on a Saturday receive a 25% penalty and workers working ordinary hours on a Sunday receive a 50% penalty. This is in addition to the ordinary rate of pay for the job classification. Check the award as some exceptions apply, for example Beach Inspectors, Cleaning and Garbage.
All time worked by direction outside the agreed start or finish times of ordinary hours, is considered overtime. Generally, overtime is paid at time and a half for the first two hours and double time thereafter.
If overtime is worked, the rate is time and a half for the first two hours and double time thereafter. Any overtime worked on a Saturday after 12 noon will be paid at double time.
If overtime is worked, all hours worked by a worker on a Sunday is double time.
Yes, if agreed between the parties, overtime can be taken as time in lieu instead of paid overtime. The time off will be for the hours worked. Example 2 hours overtime equals 2 hours’ time off.
The Award specifies the following holidays: New Years' Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Queen's Birthday, Labour Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and all locally proclaimed holidays within the council's area, and all special days proclaimed as holidays to be observed throughout the whole of NSW.
Workers required to work on a gazetted public holiday will be entitled to double time and a half inclusive of ordinary payment for the day. Check the award as conditions apply.
If a gazetted public holiday falls on a worker’s regular working day, the worker will not suffer a reduction in ordinary pay.
Yes, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers are entitled to an extra holiday during NAIDOC week. Notification requirements apply.
Where a worker is required to start and or finish work at a location away from the worker's normal place of work and the distance travelled is greater than the distance usually travelled by the worker between their place of residence and normal place of work, the worker shall be paid a travelling allowance for each journey of excess travel. Check the award as conditions apply.
Yes, if a worker holds an appropriate first aid qualification and is appointed by the worker to perform first aid duties and is in charge of a first aid kit, the worker may be entitled to be paid in addition to their weekly rate.
Yes, workers using a community language skill as part of their duties or providing signing services to their community, the worker may be entitled to be paid in addition to their weekly rate.