The pandemic has made many changes in our lives, including online learning and meetings. Platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams have made training and mandatory meetings easy and safe. 

However, this new approach doesn’t mean a new interpretation of your rights. Any mandatory training or meetings online are still work and to be treated the same as face to face in relation to time – the only exception is travel time and kms that don’t apply.

If you attend mandatory training:

• Online training at home – you should be paid for your time at your ordinary hourly rate.
• After hours training onsite – you should be paid for travel time there and back, kilometres, and the time during which you did the training at your ordinary hourly rate.  

You can read all about training and your rights in Clause 40 of your agreement here:
https://www.fwc.gov.au/documents/documents/agreements/fwa/ae427192.pdf

If you or your colleagues feel you haven't been paid appropriately for training, you are encouraged to enquire about your unpaid wages – knowing that you can claim up to six years backpay.

Only members will receive union support to help claim any unpaid wages. If you are a union member and would like assistance, call 1300 478 679 or contact your local organiser via email [E-Mail not displayed].

Not already a member of the HSU? You are strongly encouraged to join online at www.hsu.asn.au/join or call 1300 478 679.