You’ve worked a solid week, maybe even picked up an extra shift or covered someone’s Saturday. Then payday hits, and your bank balance doesn’t look quite right.
Sound familiar?
Whether you’re new to labour hire or have years of experience under your belt, it’s important to understand your rights as a worker. Are you receiving fair pay? Do your penalty rates and allowances match your contract? Can you confidently read your payslip?
At Pandanus Workforce, we believe every worker deserves transparency, fairness, and confidence when it comes to getting paid. This guide will help you check if you’re being paid correctly, and what to do if something doesn’t look quite right.
Need to Know About Award Wages and Enterprise Agreements
Most workers in Australia are covered by either a modern award or an enterprise agreement, depending on your role and your employer.
- Modern Awards set the minimum pay and working conditions for specific industries or occupations, things like base hourly rates, penalty rates, overtime, and allowances.
- Enterprise Agreements are negotiated between an employer and a group of employees (or union), but must leave you better off overall than the relevant award.
There are more than 100 modern awards in place across different sectors, and knowing which one applies to your role is the first step to understanding what you’re owed.
Check the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website if you’re unsure. You’re also entitled to ask your employer directly for clarity.
Understanding Penalty Rates, Overtime, and Allowances
If you’re working early starts, late finishes, weekends, or public holidays, you may be entitled to penalty rates. These are higher pay rates that compensate for working unsociable or demanding hours.
You’re also entitled to overtime pay if you work beyond your standard hours, and possibly extra allowances for things like:
- Travel or meal costs
- Site conditions (e.g. remote or hazardous work)
- Tools or uniforms
These entitlements should be clearly listed in your payslip or agreement. If they’re missing, it’s worth asking questions.
Tip: In industries like construction, energy, transport, and logistics, your entitlements can change depending on the project or site agreement. Always check your contract or speak to your recruiter if you’re unsure.
How to Check Your Payslip for Errors or Missing Items
Payslips aren’t just admin, they’re proof of what you’ve earned and what you’re entitled to.
By law, your employer must provide a payslip within one business day of payment, and it should clearly show:
- Your full name and employer’s name
- Date of payment and pay period
- Your gross and net pay
- Hourly rate and total hours worked
- Overtime and penalty rates
- Superannuation contributions
- Any deductions (tax, super, etc.)
- Details of leave balances (if applicable)
Keep an eye out for:
- Missing overtime or allowances
- Incorrect hourly rate
- Unexplained deductions
- Incomplete hours recorded
If something doesn’t add up, ask your payroll team or supervisor to explain it. If you’re unsure, the Fair Work Ombudsman offers tools to help you verify your pay.
What to Do If You’re Being Underpaid or Have Concerns
It’s your right to be paid correctly. If you think something’s wrong:
- Start a conversation: Often, errors are administrative and can be corrected quickly.
- Keep records: Document your hours, payslips, and any communications.
- Seek advice: Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman or your union for confidential support.
- Make a complaint: If issues persist, you have the right to escalate it.
Remember, it’s against the law for your employer to take adverse action (like dismissal or demotion) because you’ve raised a workplace rights concern.
How Pandanus Ensures Transparency and Fairness in Pay
At Pandanus Workforce, we make transparency and fairness non-negotiables.
- Every employee receives a clear onboarding pack, detailing pay rates, allowances, and entitlements.
- Our workers are paid in line with relevant awards or enterprise agreements.
- Our payroll team is accessible, supportive, and responsive, this means no ghosting or dodging questions.
- We provide weekly payslips and check-ins to ensure everything is accurate and that you feel confident.
Whether you’re on a short-term job or part of a long-term deployment, we believe in paying our people fairly, consistently, and on time.
Getting Paid Right Starts Here
Fair pay isn’t a bonus, it’s your right. At Pandanus, we don’t just fill roles, we support careers. You’ve earned every dollar. Let’s make sure you’re getting it, without the stress, the chasing, or the confusion.
At Pandanus, we’re here to help you succeed, not just get the job done. We’ll support you from day one, with clear systems and real people who’ve got your back. If you’ve got questions about your pay or want to join a team that values you, reach out.
Register with Pandanus Workforce today and join a crew that believes in fair pay, every time.
