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 Christmas Day in Retail — What Am I Owed?

Last updated: April 2026 · MA000004

Christmas Day pay under the General Retail Industry Award is 250% of the ordinary rate for permanent employees and 275% for casuals. Minimum engagement is 3 hours. If you worked Christmas Day at your normal rate, you were significantly underpaid.

Working a 5-hour Christmas Day shift at the wrong rate can cost you $150+.

The rule

Christmas Day is a national public holiday. Under the Retail Award (MA000004), permanent employees are paid 250% of their ordinary hourly rate. Casual employees receive 275% of the ordinary base rate. Minimum engagement is 3 hours for all employees.

What you should be paid

Level 1 permanent, 5-hour Christmas Day shift:

  • Ordinary rate: ~$26.55/hr
  • Christmas Day rate (250%): ~$59.74/hr
  • 5-hour shift: ~$298.70

If paid at the ordinary rate, you'd receive only ~$132.75. That's a shortfall of ~$165.95 for one shift.

What to check on your payslip

  • Is Christmas Day shown as a public holiday line item?
  • Is the rate 250% (permanent) or 275% (casual) of your ordinary rate?
  • Were you paid for at least 3 hours?
  • If you didn't work but it's your normal day, were you paid your ordinary rate?

Frequently asked questions

The shop is closed on Christmas Day — do I still get paid?

Yes, if you are a permanent (full-time or part-time) employee and Christmas Day falls on a day you would normally work. You are entitled to a paid day off at your ordinary rate. You do not lose pay because the store is closed.

Can my employer force me to work on Christmas Day?

An employer can request you work on Christmas Day, but you can refuse if the request is unreasonable. Factors include the nature of the work, personal circumstances, the amount of notice given, and whether you will be adequately compensated.

What if Christmas Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday?

The public holiday rate applies — not the Saturday or Sunday rate. You get the higher public holiday rate for Christmas Day, regardless of what day of the week it falls on. If a substitute day is declared, you may get the public holiday rate on that day instead.

Check your Christmas Day rate matches the public holiday entitlement.

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