Haha this sounds like the process I'm going thru at the moment -- we're expected to stay back after our shift, unpaid, while the tills are cashed up. Nup -- according to the award, that's illegal. Pay me, or let me go, please!
Anyway, here's what you've gotta do: (I'm no lawyer or HR Specialist; this is all from my experience and 2nd year Uni HR unit teaching
First off, check your contract and see that you haven't agreed to any different pay rates or anything. They might also say which award you fall under.
If that doesn't turn up anything -- ie there's no information about different pay rates, or specificially which award you're covered by, call your head office, and ask to speak to HR. Ask them what award you are covered by, and if it's state or federal level.
Once you knwo this, or you're not sure if it's state or federal level, try the NSW state awards first, at:
http://www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au/awards/index.html
...AND THEN BOOKMARK THE WEBSITE!
However, if it's federal, go to this website:
http://www.airc.gov.au/publications_container.html?http://www.airc.gov.au/publications/awards.html
...And BOOKMARK THAT TOO!
Do note that under the new Industrial Relations laws it allows an employer to choose whichever award they prefer to work under -- state or federal. So, in other words, whichever is more profitable for them.
Also, note that the AIRC website's a bit harder to use -- if you're confused by it all and can't find the award you'd fall under, call HR just to check -- last thing you want to do is start a conflict with your boss using faulty information..
Give'em Hell, Tiger.
