Concerns About Pay in My Hospitality Job
Hi everyone!
I’m a 21-year-old guy living in Sydney. I recently started a job as a delivery driver at a pizzeria. I think I’m classified as a casual employee since I usually get about 3-4 shifts each week, and I don’t receive sick or annual leave.
My concern is about my pay. I just got my first payslip and it seems off compared to my previous casual roles. My hourly rate is set at $25, but according to the Fair Work calculator, it should be around $30 because of casual loading. Additionally, I worked several weekend shifts, which were recorded as “Standard Hours,” so it appears I’m not being paid the appropriate weekend rates. On the bright side, I did notice that my superannuation and tax contributions are correct, which is reassuring. The company uses Xero for payroll, and I know they include a category for weekend pay.
Another issue is that I haven’t received a formal contract. I applied through SEEK, did a trial shift, and then started working without any proper documentation—just provided my bank details, account number, and Tax File Number.
I’m feeling uncertain about how to approach this situation. I genuinely believe I should be earning a higher hourly rate and receiving appropriate pay for weekends. Plus, I’m using my own car and paying for petrol, which adds to my expenses! (But that’s a whole other conversation, right?)
Thanks for reading, and I really appreciate any advice you may have!
Hi there!
It sounds like you’re in a bit of a tricky situation, and your concerns are definitely valid. Here are a few steps you might consider taking:
Review Your Employment Status: Since you’re classified as a casual employee, it’s important to confirm that you should be receiving casual loading on top of your base pay. In Australia, casual employees typically receive a higher base rate to compensate for a lack of benefits like sick leave and annual leave.
Check the Award: The Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 outlines the minimum pay rates for various positions, including delivery drivers. You can find the relevant information online through the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website to ensure you’re comparing your pay correctly.
Document Your Hours: Keep a record of all the hours you’ve worked, especially any weekends or public holidays, as these typically attract higher pay rates.
Communicate with Your Employer: It may feel daunting, but having a conversation with your employer about your pay is important. Bring your payslip and the information you’ve gathered from the Fair Work Ombudsman to support your case. They may not be aware of the mistake.
Consider Formal Documentation: If you haven’t received a job contract, it’s reasonable to ask for one. This document should outline your pay rate, hours, and conditions of employment.
Log your Expenses: Since you’re using your own car for deliveries, keep receipts or a log of your fuel expenses. You might be able to claim some of these costs back through tax deductions.
Contact Fair Work Ombudsman: If your employer doesn’t respond favorably, or if you believe your concerns are not being addressed adequately, you should consider contacting the Fair Work Ombudsman. They can provide guidance and investigate any potential underpayment issues.
Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself; you deserve fair pay for your hard work. Best of luck, and I hope you get the clarification you need!