General information only — not legal advice. First speak with your employer, then if unsuccessful contact Fair Work or an employment lawyer.
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Worked a Public Holiday Cleaning — What Am I Owed?

Last updated: April 2026 · MA000022

If you cleaned on a public holiday and got paid your normal rate, your employer stole from you. Public holidays attract the highest penalty rate under the Cleaning Services Award — 2.5 times your base rate for permanent workers, 2.75 times for casuals. There is no exemption for cleaning work, and your employer cannot offset the penalty with a day off unless you specifically agree.

The rule

  • Full-time / part-time: 250% of base rate
  • Casual: 275% of ordinary base rate
  • Applies to all hours worked on the public holiday
  • Full-time/part-time workers who don't work get paid their ordinary hours (paid day off)

Worked example

Scenario: Casual cleaner, Level 1 (~$25.85 base), works a 4-hour shift on Australia Day cleaning a venue.

What they should pay: 4 hours × $25.85 × 2.75 = $284.35

What many employers pay: 4 hours × $32.31 (casual weekday) = $129.24

Underpaid: $155.11 on a single public holiday shift.

Multiply this across ANZAC Day, Easter, Christmas, and state-specific holidays and the total becomes significant.

What to check

  • Does your payslip show a separate, higher rate for public holiday hours?
  • Were you paid at 2.5× (permanent) or 2.75× (casual)?
  • If you didn't work the public holiday, were you still paid for it (full-time/part-time)?

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Frequently asked questions

What is the public holiday rate for cleaners?

Under the Cleaning Services Award, full-time and part-time cleaners working on a public holiday are paid at 250% of their base rate (2.5 times). Casuals receive 275% of the ordinary base rate.

Can my cleaning employer force me to work on a public holiday?

Your employer can request you work on a public holiday, but you can refuse if the request is unreasonable or the refusal is reasonable. Factors include your personal circumstances, the nature of the work, and whether you were given adequate notice. If you do work, you must be paid the public holiday penalty rate.

I worked Christmas Day cleaning — what should I have been paid?

Christmas Day is a public holiday. You should be paid at 250% (permanent) or 275% (casual) of your base rate for all hours worked.

General information only — not legal advice. Verify at fairwork.gov.au.