HOLIDAY SEASON ARRANGEMENTS

We will be available over the festive season on our usual mobile numbers. However our administrative office will be closed from 22 December and will reopen on Monday 5 January 2026.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS REASONABLE OVERTIME

What is reasonable "overtime". Overtime is not just about the number of hours to be worked. It is also about any overtime.
Example #1. if you are asked during the shift to work extra time, and you have child care arrangements that cannot be changed, you have the right to refuse the overtime.
Example #2: If you have worked say 10 hours overtime in a fortnight, and you have a reason such as family commitments, then it is reasonable to refuse the overtime.

FAIR WORK ACT REASONABLE OVERTIME - SECTION 62.

Determining whether additional hours are reasonable
(3) In determining whether additional hours are reasonable or unreasonable for the purposes of subsections (1) and (2), the following must be taken into account:
(a) any risk to employee health and safety from working the additional hours;
(b) the employee's personal circumstances, including family responsibilities;
(c) the needs of the workplace or enterprise in which the employee is employed;
(d) whether the employee is entitled to receive overtime payments, penalty rates or other..
(e) any notice given by the employer of any request or requirement to work the additional hours;
(f) any notice given by the employee of his or her intention to refuse to work the additional hours;
(g) the usual patterns of work in the industry, or the part of an industry, in which the employee works;
(h) the nature of the employee's role, and the employee's level of responsibility;
(i) whether the additional hours are in accordance with averaging terms
(j) any other relevant matter.

OVERTIME AT AUS POST

It's the busy season. Aust Post members should aware that AP management have previously taken action against members for working what they describe as excessive amounts of overtime.
Our Branch is also concerned about this, and members should first consider their own health and wellbeing prior to agreeing to work any overtime. Members also need to consider their personal circumstances like family commitments, etc.
Remember, it is not just about the amount of overtime. It is also about any overtime. For example, I you are asked during the shift to work back, and you have child care arrangements that cannot be changed, you have the right to refuse the overtime.

AUS POST EBA CLAUSE

The relevant provisions contained in Clause 16 of the EBA are as follows:

An employee may refuse to work overtime in circumstances where the working of such overtime would result in the employee working hours which are unreasonable having regard to:
1. any risk to employee health and safety
2. the employee's personal circumstances including any family responsibilities
3. the needs of the workplace or enterprise
4. the notice (if any) given by the employer of the overtime and by the employee of his or her intention to refuse it; and
5. any other relevant matter.