Nurses Award 2020: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn if you qualify for the Nurses Award 2020 and how it ensures you receive the correct minimum pay and penalty rates for your shifts.
The Nurses Award 2020 establishes the legal minimum standards for pay and working conditions for nursing professionals in Australia.
Who it's for
This scheme is designed for nurses who do not have a separate Enterprise Agreement (EBA) covering their employment. It serves as a safety net to ensure that nursing staff receive standardized protections if their specific workplace has not negotiated a private agreement for its employees.
What you get
The primary benefit of this award is the guarantee of minimum pay rates. This includes the base rate of pay for your standard hours of work. Additionally, it provides for penalty rates, which are extra payments applied to your wages for working specific types of shifts, such as overtime, weekend work, or late-night shifts. These rates are designed to ensure your compensation remains fair based on the nature of your nursing duties.
What it costs you
There is no financial cost to you to be covered by this scheme. It is a regulatory standard that applies to your employment to prevent exploitation and ensure you receive the minimum legal compensation.
The catch to know
The most important thing to understand is that this Award does not apply to everyone in the nursing profession. Many hospitals and healthcare facilities have their own Enterprise Agreements (EBAs) in place. An EBA is a specific agreement negotiated between an employer and their employees. If an EBA exists at your place of work, the terms of that agreement will override the Nurses Award 2020. You should check your specific employment terms to see which set of rules governs your pay.
How to apply
- Review your current employment contract or pay slip to identify if you are covered by an Enterprise Agreement.
- Determine if your specific workplace has a separate agreement that overrides the standard award.
- If you believe you are not covered by an agreement, consult with your employer regarding your eligibility for the award.
- Contact the Fair Work Commission or a relevant government body to clarify your rights and the current minimum rates.