Costco have advised the SDA they will be trading on the Labour Day public holiday which falls on Monday, October 7.

Do I have to work on a public holiday?

No, under the NES, an employee is entitled to be absent on a public holiday. However, an employer may request you work on a public holiday if the request is reasonable. You may refuse to work, if the request from the employer is unreasonable.

Can’t I just be rostered to work on a public holiday?

No. If Costco wants you to work on a public holiday, Costco must first discuss this with you, before finalising rosters.

What will I be paid if my rostered day falls on a public holiday and I don’t work?

If you are a full-time or part-time employee who is regularly rostered for five days a week and you don’t work on the public holiday you will be paid at the ordinary rate of pay for the day.

What will I be paid if my non-working day falls on a public holiday?

If you are a full-time employee and a public holiday falls on your non-working day, you get paid 7.6 hours at the ordinary rate of pay.

If you a part-time hourly employee and you are rostered for 5 days per day on a regular and systematic basis and a public holiday falls on your non-working day, you are paid at the ordinary rate an amount based on the average hours worked over 52 weeks. Where you have worked for less than 52 weeks then you will be paid at the ordinary rate based on the average hours worked over the period of your employment.

What do I get paid if I work on a public holiday?

If you decide to work on the public holiday, you will be paid at the ordinary rate of pay plus an extra time and a half (150%) for each hour worked.

Any questions or need assistance?

If have any questions about your public holiday rights or entitlements, please talk to your SDA Delegates or SDA Organiser, Joe Bourke.