Z Staffing operates within the relevant award instruments in regard to overtime. Below is a detailed breakdown of how we apply overtime to our shifts.
Quick links:
Diploma, Cert III, Support Worker
If you would like to learn more about our breaks policy, please take the time to read the breaks article >
Below are examples and calculations for how we apply overtime to shifts:
ECT
ECTs are paid at the regular rate for up to 8 hours of work.
Please note:
ECTs are booked in blocks through Z Staffing:
- Shifts between 0-2 hours = paid/charged at 2 hours
- Shift between 2-4 hours = paid/charged at 4 hours
- Shifts 4+ hours = paid/charged at 8 hours
The general overtime rules for ECTs are as follows:
- 1.5x their rate for the first 3 hours of overtime
- 2x their rate for every hour after that
- These are calculated in 15-minute increments.
If the educator takes their meal break within the first 5 hours of work, and works more than 8 hours, overtime will be applied to their shift.
ECT Example 1:
Shift duration: 10hrs
Break: taken within first 5 hours
Hours breakdown:
- 0-8hrs @1x rate
- 8-10hrs @1.5x rate
If a 30-minute break is not taken in the first 5 hours, then any time worked after that has an overtime rate applied until the break is taken.
ECT Example 2:
Shift duration: 10hrs
Break: not taken within first 5 hours
Hours breakdown:
- 0-5hrs @1x rate
- 5-8hrs @1.5x rate
- 8-10hrs @2x rate
ECT Example 3:
Shift duration: 8hrs
Break: 30min break taken at 6hrs (not taken within first 5 hours)
Hours breakdown:
- 0-5hrs @1x rate
- 5-6hrs @1.5x rate
- 6-8hrs @1x rate
Diploma, Cert III, Support Worker
Diploma, Cert III and Support Workers are paid at the regular rate for up to 8 hours of work.
The general overtime rules for Diploma, Cert III and Support Workers are as follows:
- 1.75x their rate for the first 2 hours of overtime
- 2.25x their rate for every hour after that
- These are calculated in 15-minute increments.
If the educator takes their meal break within the first 5 hours of work, and works more than 8 hours, overtime will be applied to their shift.
Example 1:
Shift duration: 10hrs
Break: 30-minute unpaid break taken within first 5 hours
Hours breakdown:
- 0-4.5hrs @1x rate
- 4.5-5hrs - 30 minute unpaid break
- 5-8hrs @1x rate
- 8-10hrs @1.75x rate
If a 30-minute break is not taken in the first 5 hours, then any time worked after that has an overtime rate applied until the break is taken.
Example 2:
Shift duration: 8hrs
Break: 30 minute unpaid break taken at 6hrs (not taken within first 5 hours)
Hours breakdown:
- 0-5hrs @1x rate
- 5-6hrs @1.75x rate
- 6-6.5hrs - 30 minute unpaid break
- 6.5-8hrs @1x rate
Example 3:
Shift duration: 10hrs
Break: no unpaid break taken
Hours breakdown:
- 0-5hrs @1x rate
- 5-7hrs @1.75x rate
- 7-10hrs @2.25x rate
Example 4:
Shift duration: 10hrs
Break: 30 minute unpaid break taken at 6hrs (not taken within first 5 hours)
Hours breakdown:
- 0-5hrs @1x rate
- 5-6hrs @1.75x rate
- 6-6.5hrs - 30 minute unpaid break
- 6.5-8hrs @1x rate
- 8-9hrs @1.75x
- 9-10hrs @2.25x
