Overtime, penalties & payment
- General rule: Reasonable additional hours are not automatically paid as overtime unless an award, enterprise agreement or contract provides for it.
- Awards/EAs: May prescribe overtime/penalty rates after 38 ordinary hours (or another lower weekly cap set by that instrument).
- Loaded salaries: Some contracts state remuneration compensates for reasonable additional hours. Check what is covered and any caps.
- Underpayments: If you think you have been underpaid, review your instrument and contract and seek assistance.