fast food industry award pay guide 2024

3.1 Level 1 – Entry-Level Positions

Level 1 positions, typically entry-level roles, include basic tasks like taking orders and preparing food. The minimum hourly rate for these employees is $10.26. These roles are designed for individuals new to the industry, with minimal experience required. Employers must ensure compliance with the specified pay rates, which are adjusted annually to reflect cost-of-living changes. This ensures fair compensation for entry-level workers across the fast food sector.

3.2 Level 2 – Skilled Food and Beverage Attendants

Level 2 roles involve skilled food and beverage attendants who perform tasks requiring more expertise, such as managing orders or operating kitchen equipment. The minimum hourly rate for these positions is $10.87. Employees at this level demonstrate higher proficiency and may take on additional responsibilities like training entry-level staff or overseeing specific sections of the restaurant. These rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2024, ensuring fair compensation for their enhanced role in the workplace.

3.3 Level 3 – Supervisory Roles

Level 3 roles are supervisory positions, such as shift managers or team leaders, who oversee staff and manage daily operations. The minimum hourly rate for Level 3 employees is $11.03, with higher rates for those supervising 2 or more employees. These roles require strong leadership skills and the ability to handle responsibilities like scheduling, training, and ensuring compliance with workplace standards. The pay rates reflect their increased responsibilities and are effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2024.

Overtime and Penalty Rates

Overtime rates are 1.5 times the ordinary rate for work beyond rostered hours, while penalty rates apply for weekends and public holidays, increasing pay to 2 times the rate.

4.1 Overtime Pay Calculations

Overtime pay is calculated at 1.5 times the ordinary hourly rate for work exceeding rostered hours. Casual employees receive higher rates, with overtime applying after 38 hours. Full-time workers are entitled to overtime for additional hours beyond their usual shift. The calculations are based on the employee’s classification level, with specific rates for Level 1, 2, and 3 roles. For example, Level 1 employees earn $10.26 per hour, increasing to $15.39 for overtime. Casual loading is included in the base rate before overtime is applied.

4.2 Weekend and Public Holiday Rates

Under the Fast Food Industry Award 2024, weekend and public holiday rates are higher than standard pay rates. Saturday work attracts a 25% loading, while Sunday work is paid at 50% above the ordinary rate. Public holidays are paid at double the ordinary hourly rate. These rates apply to all employment levels, ensuring fair compensation for work outside standard hours. Casual employees receive additional loadings on top of their base rates for weekend and holiday shifts, as outlined in the award provisions.

Allowances and Additional Payments

The Fast Food Industry Award 2024 includes provisions for various allowances and additional payments to employees, such as uniform, laundry, and shift work allowances, ensuring fair compensation beyond base wages.

5.1 Uniform and Laundry Allowances

The Fast Food Industry Award 2024 provides for uniform and laundry allowances to cover employees’ costs for maintaining work attire. Employees are entitled to a weekly payment for uniforms and laundry expenses, which is tax-free. Employers must reimburse these costs as specified by the award, ensuring workers are not out-of-pocket for required workwear. This provision supports employees in maintaining professional appearances without financial burden. The allowance is calculated based on the award’s stipulated rates, ensuring fairness and consistency across the industry.

5.2 Shift Work and Night Duty Allowances

The Fast Food Industry Award 2024 includes provisions for shift work and night duty allowances to compensate employees working non-standard hours. Shift allowances apply to evening or night shifts, while night duty adds a percentage to the base rate for work after 10 PM. These payments aim to reflect the challenges of working outside standard hours, ensuring fair compensation and maintaining work-life balance, effective from 1 July 2024.

Annual Leave and Sick Leave Provisions

The Fast Food Industry Award 2024 provides entitlements for annual leave, sick leave, and carer’s leave. Employees receive four weeks of annual leave per year, with options for cashing out or carrying over unused leave. Sick and carer’s leave allows for paid absences due to illness or caring for family members, ensuring work-life balance and employee well-being, effective from 1 July 2024.

6.1 Annual Leave Entitlements

Under the Fast Food Industry Award 2024, employees are entitled to four weeks of annual leave per year. This entitlement accrues over a 12-month period and can be taken at agreed times. Employees may cash out annual leave with employer approval, provided a minimum balance remains. Unused leave can be carried over to the next year, ensuring flexibility and work-life balance. These provisions aim to support employees’ well-being while maintaining compliance with the Award’s requirements.

6.2 Sick Leave and Carer’s Leave

Employees under the Fast Food Industry Award 2024 are entitled to 10 days of paid sick leave per year. This leave can be used for personal illness or to care for immediate family members. Carer’s leave is included in the sick leave entitlement and must be approved by the employer. Employees must provide evidence for extended absences. Unused sick leave accrues annually and can be carried over. Employers must maintain accurate records of leave balances to ensure compliance with the Award’s provisions.

Compliance and Record-Keeping Requirements

Employers must comply with the Award’s terms, maintaining accurate records of pay, hours, and leave balances to ensure adherence to minimum wage and entitlement obligations.

7.1 Employer Obligations

Employers must maintain accurate records of hours worked, pay rates, and leave balances. They are required to ensure all employees receive minimum wages as per the Award, including casual loading. Employers must provide payslips and notify employees of their classification and entitlements. Compliance with overtime, penalty rates, and leave provisions is mandatory. Employers must also ensure fair work practices and adhere to all conditions outlined in the Fast Food Industry Award 2024 to avoid legal repercussions.

7.2 Employee Rights and Dispute Resolution

Employees are entitled to receive minimum wages, overtime, and penalty rates as per the Award. They have the right to request flexible work arrangements and access leave entitlements. Disputes regarding pay, conditions, or workplace issues can be resolved through internal discussions or mediation. Employees may also lodge complaints with the Fair Work Commission if disputes cannot be resolved internally. Employers must ensure transparency and fairness in addressing employee concerns to maintain compliance with the Award and workplace laws.

Industry-Specific Considerations

Regional variations in pay rates and operational challenges unique to the fast food sector are addressed, ensuring fairness and adaptability for businesses of all sizes.