Questions About Casual Hospitality Employment Rules
Hey everyone,
I’m a teen from WA and I’m not quite sure where to turn for this, so any guidance would be appreciated.
I work casually at a diner (not part of a franchise), doing various roles like dish hand, kitchen hand, and waitress.
Tonight, I was scheduled for a 4-hour shift from 5 to 9 PM. However, about an hour before my shift, I got a notification through our app that my hours were changed to 5 to 8:30 PM, which was a bit frustrating since it was done without any prior notice—something that happens often with my boss.
When I arrived, there were five staff members on duty, which seemed excessive for our small kitchen, especially on a quieter Sunday.
At around 7 PM, a coworker informed me that everyone had to take a break due to the lack of customers, and the diner couldn’t afford to pay everyone for their full shifts. It turned out that others had their hours cut too. Instead of taking an unpaid break, my coworker and I decided to leave half an hour early.
Ultimately, I ended up being paid for only 3 hours of work, even though my initial shift was meant to be 4 hours with no break required since it wasn’t over 5 hours. This isn’t the first time my hours have been cut without any explanation. I’ve tried to address it, but I keep getting vague responses about “scheduling issues.”
I’m feeling really frustrated about this situation. Does anyone have any advice or insights on how to handle this? Thanks!
It’s understandable to feel frustrated about the situation you described. As a casual employee in the hospitality industry, there are specific rules and practices that may apply, though they can vary by state and organization. Here are a few points to consider and some advice on how to proceed:
Casual Employment Rights: As a casual employee, your hours can fluctuate based on the needs of the business, but employers still have a responsibility to communicate changes clearly and provide reasonable notice when possible.
Shift Changes: Ideally, any changes to your shift should be communicated to you in advance. It’s not uncommon for staff to be asked to take breaks if it’s slow, but clarity and communication are key.
Pay and Breaks: In many cases, if you’re working less than 5 hours, you typically wouldn’t be entitled to a break, especially since you were not scheduled for a longer shift. However, if you are regularly sent home early or have had your hours cut frequently, this is something you may want to discuss further.
Open Communication: Try to have a constructive conversation with your manager about your hours and the schedule. You can express your concerns about the lack of notice regarding shift changes and inquire about how scheduling decisions are made.
Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the Fair Work Act and the relevant award that covers your position. In Australia, the Fair Work Ombudsman website provides resources regarding employee rights, including information on casual employment.
Seek Support: If you’re not getting anywhere with your manager, consider reaching out to your local Fair Work Ombudsman for guidance or advice on your specific situation. They can provide clarity on your rights and what steps to take next.
Consider Your Options: If the situation doesn’t improve and you continue to feel undervalued or uncertain, it might be worth exploring other job opportunities where you may feel more secure and respected.
Remember, communication is important, and while it may be uncomfortable, expressing your concerns in a professional manner can often lead to better outcomes. Good luck!