Shae MONOPOLI
SDA Organiser
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS:
Casual Employment While casual workers don’t have fixed hours or a set roster, they still have rights at work. The SDA has always fought to improve the pay and conditions of casual workers and ensure their rights are upheld. If you’re employed as a casual, it’s important you’re aware of what those rights are.
Am I entitled to paid leave? Unlike permanent employees, casual workers do not receive paid time off from work if they go on holiday or are sick. However, casual employees are paid a ‘casual loading’ to compensate them for the lack of paid time off.
Can I say no working a particular shift? Yes, as a casual employee, you have the right to decline any shift or take unpaid leave if you are unable to attend a shift for any reason. You should aim to give as much notice as possible when declining a shift to assist your employer in finding a replacement. Tip: Writing down your availability via a note, email or workplace app/ platform is the best way to help your employer track when you’re available for shifts.
My roster from last week is different from my roster for this week, is this normal? Casual employees don’t necessarily have to have a set roster or number of hours or shifts per week so your employer can change your roster each week. The duration and number of shifts you receive on any given week can change. For example, you may receive 30 hours one week and zero the next week. Note: Even if you have a regular pattern of hours this doesn’t mean you’re permanent.
Your employer can only refuse to offer you a permanent position if you’re ineligible to convert or if they have reasonable business grounds to do so. If you would like more information about this, give us a call on 8139 1000 or email ask@sda.com.au
I’ve already asked to become permanent but my employer rejected my request, can I try again? Yes, a casual employee can request conversion to permanent employment every six months if they have been working regular hours, and could continue to work these hours without significant changes.
How do I become a permanent employee? Casual workers must now be offered a permanent position if they meet all of these requirements: » Have been employed for at least 12 months » Have worked regular pattern of hours for at least the last 6 months on an ongoing basis » Would be able to continue to work your hours as a permanent employee without significant changes. SDA Member Rawa Merei
sda.com.au
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