Electrical Contracting Award Job With No Payslip — What Are My Rights?
Rates effective 1 July 2025 · MA000025
Every employee under the Electrical Contracting Award is entitled to a payslip within 1 working day of being paid — no exceptions. If you are not receiving payslips, that is a breach of the Fair Work Act, and it is one of the strongest indicators that you are also being underpaid. Employers who skip payslips are typically also skipping penalty rates, super, and correct award rates.
The rule
Section 536 of the Fair Work Act 2009 requires employers to issue payslips within 1 working day of payment. The payslip must be in electronic or hard-copy form and must itemise hours worked, rates of pay (including penalties), gross and net pay, super contributions, and any deductions. This is not a suggestion — failure to comply carries penalties of up to $16,500 per breach for individuals and $82,500 for companies.
Worked example
Scenario: Casual Level 1 worker under the Electrical Contracting Award works 20 hours per week including Saturdays but has never received a payslip. They are paid a flat $23/hr into their bank account.
Without a payslip, they cannot verify: Whether the $31.19/hr casual rate is being met, whether Saturday hours are paid at the $46.79/hr Saturday casual rate, or whether super is being contributed.
If their Saturday rate alone is wrong, that could be $118.95 per week in underpayment — over $5,709.60 per year. Without a payslip, they would never know.
What to check on your payslip
- You actually receive a payslip for every pay period
- It arrives within 1 working day of pay day
- Hours are broken down by ordinary, weekend, and public holiday
- Each rate matches the Electrical Contracting Award minimums for your classification level
- Super contributions are listed and match 12% of ordinary time earnings
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Frequently asked questions
Is my employer legally required to give me a payslip?
Yes. Under the Fair Work Act 2009, every employer must provide a payslip to each employee within 1 working day of paying them. This applies to all employees — full-time, part-time, and casual. There are no exceptions based on business size or industry.
What should a payslip show under the Electrical Contracting Award?
A compliant payslip must show the employer's name and ABN, the employee's name, the pay period, gross and net amounts, hourly rates (including any penalty rates), hours worked at each rate, superannuation contributions, and any deductions. Under the Electrical Contracting Award, you should see separate line items for ordinary hours, weekend penalties, and public holiday rates.
What can I do if my employer refuses to provide payslips?
First, ask in writing (email or text). If your employer still refuses, you can lodge a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman at fairwork.gov.au or call 13 13 94. The FWO can issue infringement notices and penalties. Failure to provide payslips can result in fines of up to $16,500 per breach for individuals and $82,500 for companies.
Rates sourced from the Fair Work Commission pay guide for the Electrical Contracting Award (MA000025), effective 1 July 2025. General information only — not legal advice. Verify at fairwork.gov.au.