As Christmas and New Year approach, millions of Aussie workers are being urged to check their pay slips carefully. Why? Because over $30 million in wages could be at risk if employers fail to pay workers what they’re legally entitled to during the busy holiday period. So, what’s really going on, and how can you make sure you’re not getting shortchanged?
The Risk of Losing Big on Public Holiday Pay
A new study from Unions NSW has found that if workers miss just one hour of their public holiday penalty rates over the Christmas and New Year period, it could result in a staggering $30 million in lost wages. That’s a serious amount of cash, and it affects more Aussies than you might think. The festive season sees many industries—especially hospitality—facing heavy workloads, with employers sometimes trying to cut corners when it comes to paying workers.
It’s particularly common in industries like hospitality, where younger, casual workers, and migrants are more likely to be employed. According to Thomas Costa, assistant secretary and employment lawyer at Unions NSW, this problem occurs year after year. “It’s almost universal in the hospitality industry in major cities,” Costa says to Yahoo Finance. “These industries are predominantly younger workers and casual workers, and increasingly migrant workers, workers on visas, who often feel that they have less say and ability to stand up to their employer when they’re being underpaid.”
What Workers Are Entitled to Over the Holidays
Workers across the country are legally entitled to a minimum standard of pay set by their specific award, which includes public holiday and overtime pay. Depending on the industry and your specific employment agreement, you might be entitled to penalty rates or extra days off for working on public holidays. For example, in hospitality, it’s common to see penalty rates like time and a half on Saturdays, double time on Sundays, and even double time and a half on public holidays.
If you’re a full-time or part-time worker and a public holiday falls on your usual workday, you’re still entitled to be paid your base rate for the hours you would have worked.
Common Problems Workers Face
Despite these legal protections, many workers report that their employers don’t apply penalty rates correctly on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, or New Year’s Day. Some even find that their public holidays are incorrectly deducted from annual leave, or that their overtime hours are left unpaid. And then there’s the issue of being pressured to clock off before finishing your shift—something that can further impact the hours you’re compensated for.
How to Protect Your Rights
If you’re working over the holiday period, it’s crucial to know your rights and ensure you’re being paid fairly. Costa recommends checking your pay slips closely, and if you notice any discrepancies, don’t hesitate to take action. “Most employees don’t realize the penalties for employers who don’t follow the rules,” he said. “The Fair Work Commission enforces these rules, and they’re legally binding.”
If you think your pay is incorrect, you should reach out to your employer or speak to your union representative. In the worst-case scenario, if things aren’t resolved, you can file a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman.
The Bottom Line: Stay Vigilant
As we head into the busy holiday season, it’s easy for workers to be distracted by the rush of celebrations and end-of-year tasks. But remember: your pay is just as important as your time off. Don’t let employers cut corners and deprive you of what you’ve earned. Keep an eye on your wages, know your rights, and make sure you’re not one of the thousands of Aussies who miss out on fair compensation.
