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Westpac: Do I have to work on a public holiday?

With a public holiday coming up on 10 March in Victoria, Tasmania, ACT and South Australia, it’s important we understand our rights, especially given recent changes in our new Enterprise Agreement. 

These new rights were won by union members during the last round of negotiations. 

Here’s what you need to know about working (or not working) this public holiday:

  • Westpac employees now have the right to refuse to work on a public holiday, provided that this refusal is reasonable – or if Westpac’s direction to work is unreasonable.
  • You may also request to substitute your public holiday for a different date. If you choose to do this and work on the original public holiday, you will not be paid any penalty rate for working on the original public holiday.
  • If you do work this upcoming public holiday, you will receive 150% loading on your hours worked.
  • And as with any public holiday in which you are not required to work, you will be paid your ordinary rate for the hours you normally work.

We encourage FSU members to read through our new Westpac Enterprise Agreement.

If you have any questions or need assistance, contact our Member Rights Centre on 1300 366 378.

Please note: The above information does not apply to packaged staff at Westpac. 

 

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