Hours of Work & Unreasonable Overtime

Hours of Work & Unreasonable Overtime: Know Your Rights

Every Australian full-time employee is required to work no more than 38 hours plus “reasonable additional hours” per week. This is part of the National Employment Standards (NES).
Employers might be required by a modern award or enterprise agreement  to pay overtime pay – but this does not mean that all paid overtime hours are reasonable.
There are some exceptions where hours can be are “averaged” over several weeks or months.
Despite this, many workers face excessive overtime demands, leading to stress, fatigue, and unfair treatment. Employers must consider factors such as health and safety, family responsibilities, personal circumstances, and whether employees are adequately compensated when requiring extra hours. 
How Taylor & Scott Lawyers Can Help
Employees often have difficulty refusing “requests” to work overtime. If an employer takes adverse action against an employee because they refuse unreasonable overtime, compensation or civil penalties could be sought against the employer. Employers also face civil penalties for making the request for unreasonable hours in the first place, because that request contravenes the NES.
If your employer is forcing you to work excessive hours or refusing to compensate you fairly, Taylor & Scott Lawyers can help protect your rights. Our experienced employment law team will assess your situation, advise on your legal options, and, if necessary, take action to ensure you receive fair treatment.
Contact Taylor & Scott Lawyers today for a confidential consultation and let us fight for your workplace rights.