Meal and rest breaks
Your meal and rest breaks are protected under clause 36 of the EBA. Are you getting the breaks you are entitled to?
Not only are breaks crucial for a safe and healthy work environment, but they can also assist with productivity. The table below outlines your meal and rest break entitlements, as per the EBA.
Period worked |
Break |
|
Day work per shift of more than 4 hours |
Meal break 30 minutes – 1 hour unpaid break. To be taken no later than after 5-6 consecutive hours worked. |
|
Shift work per shift of more than 4 hours |
Meal break 20 minutes paid break (away from the work area) to be taken no earlier than 2 hours and no later than 5-6 hours consecutive hours worked, at an operationally convenient time. |
|
Per shift of at least 4 hours |
Rest break 10 minutes paid break after every four consecutive hours worked. To be taken at an operationally convenient time. |
| Overtime of more than 1 hour before or after rostered finishing time:(a) Initially; and
(b) After every extra 4 hours |
Meal break Paid break at overtime rates (a) 20 minutes; and (b) 30 minutes. |
If you have not been provided with the breaks stipulated above then you should inform your shift leader immediately. If you are still not provided with your break, or if this is occurring regularly, get in touch with your ASU delegates and organiser.
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