Pressure to work unsustainable amounts of unpaid overtime is one of the biggest issues we face as architectural workers today. As the union for architects, Professional Architects Australia exists to ensure members understand their workplace rights and are empowered to defend them.
What governs my working hours?
The Fair Work Act sets out National Employment Standards, which are minimum standards covering employment conditions, such as the full-time working week being 38 hours. An Award is an industrial instrument that sets out the minimum conditions that apply to those who work in a particular industry. Architectural workers (including students & graduates) are covered by the Architects Award, which further defines these minimum conditions including wages & compensation for working overtime. An employer is not restricted by law to paying Award rates of pay, with many employers paying their employees above Award rates. However, employees must be paid at least Award pay rates and entitlements. Employers can face civil penalties for breaching awards by not paying their employees what they are entitled to.
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