Pay

As an employee you have the right to be paid for the work you do. Browse our factsheets listed below to find answers to all your questions about pay. If you have a question that you can’t find an answer to here please get in contact with us.

Know My Rights: Pay Secrecy

Laws eliminate the use of pay secrecy clauses in workplaces.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/know-my-rights-pay-secrecy/

The gender pay gap and equal pay

What’s the difference between equal pay and the gender pay gap? How do you find out if you’re being paid less than your male counterparts? We answer these questions and more.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/the-gender-pay-gap-equal-pay/

Union members earn 26% more than non-members per week. Here’s why.

You may often read or hear that union members earn more than non-members. This is often called the union wage premium. But how and why do union members earn more? Here we break it down.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/union-members-earn-26-more-than-non-members-per-week-heres-why/

Tax deductible union fees

Did you know union fees are tax deductible?

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/tax-deductible-union-fees/

Tax and Superannuation

Learn about how tax and superannuation work in Australia.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/tax-and-superannuation/

Overtime

Overtime is any work you do outside of your ordinary hours of employment. When this applies and how much you will get paid will depend on your award or agreement. Some awards and agreements allow you to take time off instead of being paid overtime. This is sometimes called ‘time off in lieu’ or ‘TOIL’….

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/overtime/

Payslips and Record Keeping

Payslips and accurate record keeping are essential to protecting workers from wage theft.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/payslips-and-record-keeping/

Deductions and Overpayment

Money that is taken out of your pay by your employer before you receive it is known as a deduction. Deductions are only legal if: Both you and your employer agree in writing The Fair Work Commission or a court has ordered the deduction The award that covers your workplace specifically allows for them The…

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/deductions-and-overpayment/

Unpaid Work

All employees are entitled to pay and conditions under the Fair Work Act. In most cases, it is illegal to ask employees to do unpaid work. But there are some circumstances where unpaid work is allowed under the law. This includes: A vocational placement as part of an education or training course Undertaking work placements…

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/unpaid-work/

Underpayment

Underpayment means being paid less than what you are entitled to. Depending on where you work, this can mean being paid less than you are entitled to under the relevant Award or agreement, or less than the national minimum wage. Not paying entitlements such as superannuation or penalty rates is also a form of underpayment. What to do if…

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/underpayment/

Penalty Rates and Allowances

Penalty rates and allowances are extra payments made on top of your regular wage. They are intended to make sure that you are being compensated for working at inconvenient times or under dangerous or unpleasant conditions. There are many different reasons why you might be entitled to be paid either penalty rates, allowances, or both….

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/penalty-rates-and-allowances/

Your Minimum Wage Entitlements

Check the Minimum Wage in Australia – plus hourly wages & award rates. Should you get paid more? Find out with Australian Unions.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/factsheet/minimum-wages/