Modern Awards
Modern awards are documents which set minimum employment standards in a specific industry or sector.
This includes setting things such as:
- Minimum rates of pay
- Hours of work
- Leave entitlements
- Penalty rates and allowances
Modern awards often set standards that are higher than the minimums in the National Employment Standards – they cannot set standards that are lower.
It is your employer’s responsibility to keep up with changes to your award and make sure that all employees are getting what they are entitled to.
There is an award that covers nearly all workplaces and occupations. If you’re not sure which award you’re covered by, ask your employer or reach out to your union.
Who is covered by a modern award?
Most employees are covered by an award. Some exceptions include:
- Some managers, human resource managers and high-income employees
- Some employees who are excluded from the award that covers their workplace because of the nature of their role
If you are not covered by an award the National Employment Standards and the National Minimum Wage set the minimum standards of your employment.
Are you already a union member?
Reach out to your union for more specific information about how you and your workmates can make the most of your rights at work.
Not yet a member?
Joining your union is the most powerful decision you can make to protect your rights at work.