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 Good Friday at a Restaurant — Is the Rate Right?

Last updated: March 2026 · MA000119

Good Friday pay under the Restaurant Industry Award is 2.25× the ordinary rate for permanent employees — not just “double time.” This is one of the most commonly underpaid penalty rates in the industry.

Being paid double time on Good Friday? You're still being short-changed.

The rule

Good Friday is a national public holiday. Under the Restaurant Industry Award (MA000119), the permanent rate is 2.25× the ordinary hourly rate — not 2×. Casuals receive the applicable casual public holiday rate. This applies to all hours worked on the day.

What you should be paid

Level 3 permanent — double time vs correct rate

  • Ordinary hourly rate: $26.70/hr
  • Incorrect double time (2×): $53.40/hr
  • Correct public holiday rate (2.25×): $60.08/hr
  • Gap per hour: $6.68

On an 8-hour Good Friday shift, paying 2× instead of 2.25× short-changes you by $53.44. Across multiple public holidays per year, this adds up.

Rates based on the Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000119, effective 1 July 2025.

What to check on your payslip

  • Is Good Friday shown as a public holiday line item?
  • Is the rate exactly 2.25× your ordinary rate (not 2×)?
  • Were you paid for at least 4 hours (permanent) or 2 hours (casual)?

Frequently asked questions

Is it really 2.25× and not just double time?

Yes. This is one of the most common mistakes in the restaurant industry. The permanent public holiday rate under the Restaurant Industry Award is 2.25× the ordinary rate — not 2×. The difference might seem small per hour, but it adds up across a full shift.

Are all public holidays paid at the same rate?

Yes. Under the Restaurant Industry Award, all gazetted public holidays attract the same penalty rate: 2.25× for permanent employees. This applies to Good Friday, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and every other national and state public holiday.

I'm part-time and normally work Fridays — what am I entitled to?

If Good Friday falls on a day you normally work, you're entitled to the public holiday rate (2.25×) if you work, or a paid day off at your ordinary rate if you don't work. You shouldn't lose pay because a public holiday falls on your regular day.

Check your Good Friday pay matches the correct public holiday rate.

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General information only. Verify at fairwork.gov.au.