Worked a Public Holiday in Fast Food — What Am I Owed?
Last updated: March 2026 · MA000003
You are owed 250% of your ordinary rate (or 275% if casual) for every hour worked on a public holiday in fast food. The Fast Food Industry Award makes no exceptions — public holiday rates apply to all employees.
The rule
Under the Fast Food Industry Award (MA000003), full-time and part-time employees receive 250% of the ordinary hourly rate for all work on a public holiday. Casual employees receive 275% of the ordinary rate. These rates apply to all national and state/territory public holidays. Permanent employees who don't work on a public holiday that falls on their normal working day are entitled to be paid their ordinary rate for that day.
What you should be paid
Grade 1 full-time, 5-hour public holiday shift
- Ordinary hourly rate: $26.55/hr
- Public holiday rate (250%): $66.38/hr
- Casual public holiday rate (275%): $73.01/hr
- 5-hour full-time shift: $331.90
At the ordinary rate, that shift would pay only $132.75 — a shortfall of $199.15.
What to check on your payslip
- Is the public holiday shown as a separate line item with the correct penalty rate?
- Does the rate match 250% (permanent) or 275% (casual) of your ordinary rate?
- If you didn't work and you're permanent, were you still paid for the day?
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Frequently asked questions
Can my fast food employer force me to work on a public holiday?
Your employer can request you to work on a public holiday, but you can refuse if the request is unreasonable or if you have reasonable grounds. Factors include the nature of your role, your personal circumstances, and how much notice you were given. If you agree to work, you must be paid the public holiday penalty rate.
I'm casual — do I get penalty rates on public holidays?
Yes. Casual employees receive 275% of the ordinary hourly rate for public holiday work under the Fast Food Industry Award. This is separate from and higher than the standard 25% casual loading. The 275% rate applies to every hour worked on the public holiday.
What if my employer says the penalty rate is included in my flat rate?
A flat rate or salary must still meet or exceed what you would earn under the award, including all penalty rates. If your employer pays $30/hr flat and you work public holidays, they need to demonstrate that your overall pay covers all entitlements. In most cases, a flat rate won't cover a 250% or 275% penalty.
General information only — not legal advice. Verify details at fairwork.gov.au.