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Increases to casual penalty rates from 1 March 2020

From 1 March 2020, penalty rates under the Retail Award for casuals are increasing for work after 6pm Monday to Friday and all day on Saturdays.

These improvements, which were introduced in 2018, will continue to be phased in over the next 12 months.

From 1 March 2020 the following changes to penalty rates for casual workers will be applicable:

  • After 6pm Monday to Friday: 135% to 140%
  • Saturdays: 145% to 150%

While this marks the final increase to casual penalty rates for Saturday work, work after 6pm on weekdays will increase a further 10% by March 2021.

These increases were won by the SDA, the union for retail workers, in the Fair Work Commission.

The SDA believes casual workers should receive fair compensation for working unsociable hours. Casual workers receive higher rates of pay because they are not entitled to many of the benefits permanent workers receive such as annual leave.

This win recognises that casual workers in the retail industry should receive penalty rates and casual loading when they are working unsociable hours.

Improvements to casual penalty rates apply for workers covered by the General Retail Industry Award. They will also flow on to many SDA-negotiated Agreements. If you’re unsure about what applies to you, contact the SDA for information and advice.