Breaks are an important entitlement that the SDA has worked hard to secure – and you have a right to take your breaks when they fall due.
Every SDA-negotiated Agreement and Award contains specific provisions at work that require you to have breaks.
Your Agreement or Award details your entitlement to unpaid meal breaks and paid rest / tea breaks.
Tea Breaks
Tea breaks are generally paid breaks that are available for shifts often from 4 hours work or longer.
Meal Breaks
Meal breaks are unpaid breaks that are generally 30 – 60 minutes long. They should form part of your roster.
Related issues
No, breaks are not optional.
Taking your paid rest / tea break does not take away your right to take toilet or water breaks throughout your shift.
Employers cannot:
- Deny you your breaks because there are not enough staff
- Tell you to take your break at the end of your shift
- Require you to come back to work before your break is finished
- Reduce the length of your break to less than what’s provided for below
Related issues
Your break entitlements are outlined in your Agreement or Award.
You can check them by logging into the SDA’s Members Area or getting in touch with us.
It is your employer’s responsibility to know what these entitlements are and apply them to all employees.
If you are having any issues with breaks at work, SDA can help.
SDA members have access to information, support and advice when it comes to resolving any workplace issue.
The SDA can help you with the following:
- Information about what breaks apply in your specific Agreement or Award
- Advice or representation if you’re not receiving breaks or paid breaks
- Assist with any questions about what breaks apply to you