News

Since the first of July 2019 several changes were implemented by NPT to employees’ roster cycle. NPT moved employees from a 5 week roster cycle to a 4 week roster cycle. This meant that employees would no longer work an average of 38 hours a week but would now work an average of 40 hours a week.

Initially NPT informed employees that 2 hours over time would be accrued and the time banked, as all rostered weeks were 40 hours. Once an employee had banked 10 hours, they would be given a rostered a day off with pay. More than two months after the new roster system had been implemented it became evident that NPT was not going to organise the ability for employees to bank a day off.

After the VAU wrote to NPT, the VAU was informed by NPT that instead of employees banking time, employees would be required to work the extra time with no compensation. NPT considered that the 30 minute paid meal break is not working time and cannot be considered as part of your hours of work.

The VAU disagrees with this and considers that all time worked in excess of 38 hours per week for full-time employees should be paid at overtime rates. The VAU has lodged a dispute in the Fair Work Commission and is waiting a date for the dispute to be listed.

If you have any questions regarding this issue, please contact the VAU at [email protected].