Unions will be out in force checking cafe owners are paying the correct public holiday penalty rate of double time and a quarter to young workers this Easter long weekend.
All four days of the Easter long weekend are public holidays including Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.
Unions NSW Assistant Secretary Thomas Costa says casual employees were particularly vulnerable to being ripped off during public holiday periods.
“In key industries such as retail and hospitality, special loading rates of double time and a quarter and sometimes double time and a half apply for working Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday,” he says
“It’s really important employees are aware of this, and if they’re in any doubt or think they’re being ripped off, they should contact their union.”
Mr Costa says union officials will be out in force across NSW this Easter long weekend, making sure businesses are paying their staff their full penalty rate entitlements. He also reminds employees that it is voluntary to work on public holidays.
“No worker should feel coerced into working Good Friday or Easter Sunday – you have every right to decline a shift,” Mr Costa says.
“The Easter long weekend is a good time to relax with family and friends and that’s what we encourage working people to do.”
