Fast Food Roster Changed Last Minute — Am I Still Paid?
Last updated: March 2026 · MA000003
Your employer must give you 7 days' notice before changing your roster. Under the Fast Food Industry Award, last-minute roster changes without your genuine agreement are a breach of the award, and you may be entitled to pay for your original rostered hours.
The rule
The Fast Food Industry Award (MA000003) requires employers to provide 7 days' notice of any change to an employee's roster, including start times, finish times, and days of work. Rosters must be posted in an accessible location or communicated in writing. Changes with less than 7 days' notice can only be made by mutual agreement, in an emergency, or as a result of a genuine roster swap between employees.
What you should be paid
Rostered 6 hours, shift cancelled with 1 day's notice
- Full-time/part-time: entitled to rostered hours — $159.30
- Casual (turned up): minimum 2-hour engagement — $66.38
- Casual (cancelled before arrival): no minimum payment, but keep records
If your employer regularly cancels shifts last minute, this pattern could indicate broader non-compliance. Document every instance.
What to check on your payslip
- Were you paid for your originally rostered hours when a shift was changed without 7 days' notice?
- Do your paid hours match what you were originally rostered to work?
- If you're part-time, are your guaranteed hours being maintained?
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Frequently asked questions
How much notice must my employer give to change my roster?
The Fast Food Industry Award requires 7 days' notice for roster changes. This means your employer must give you at least 7 days' warning before changing your start time, finish time, or days of work. Changes with less notice require your genuine agreement.
My shift was cancelled the night before — am I owed anything?
If you're a permanent employee and your shift was cancelled with less than 7 days' notice without your agreement, you should be paid for the rostered shift. Casual employees must still receive the minimum 2-hour engagement if they turn up for a shift. If your shift is cancelled before you arrive, there is no minimum payment for casuals, but you should check if a pattern of cancellations indicates you're not genuinely casual.
Can my employer change my hours from full-time to part-time without agreement?
No. Changing your employment status from full-time to part-time is a significant change that requires your agreement. Your employer cannot unilaterally reduce your guaranteed hours. If they attempt to do this, it may constitute a constructive dismissal or breach of the award.
General information only — not legal advice. Verify details at fairwork.gov.au.