Understanding how to calculate weekend and holiday rates is crucial for both employers and employees in the electrical industry. This guide walks you through the essential steps to determine these rates under the Electrical Award (MA000025) while ensuring compliance with Fair Work regulations applicable in states like NSW, VIC, and QLD.
What is the Electrical Award?
The Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 (MA000025) establishes the minimum pay and conditions for employees in the electrical sector. It covers a range of roles and stipulates various allowances, including those for overtime, weekend work, and public holidays.
Who Does the Electrical Award Apply To?
The Electrical Award applies to electricians, electrical apprentices, and associated tradespeople in industries including construction, maintenance, and repair of electrical appliances. If your role falls under this award, it’s essential to understand how to calculate your rates, especially for weekend and holiday shifts.
Understanding Weekend and Holiday Pay Under the Electrical Award
The Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 (MA000025) establishes specific pay rates for weekend and holiday work in Australia’s electrical industry. Proper calculation of these rates is essential for compliance with Fair Work regulations and ensuring fair compensation for electricians, technicians, and apprentices215.
Key differences between weekend and holiday pay:
- Saturday work: First 2 hours at 150%, then 200% of base rate
- Sunday work: 200% for all hours
- Public holidays: 250% for all hours worked
- Casual employees: Additional 25% loading applies to these rates
Step-by-Step: Calculating Weekend Rates (2025 Update)
Saturday Overtime Calculation
For full-time/part-time employees:
- First 2 hours: 150% of ordinary hourly rate
- Base rate × 1.5
- After 2 hours: 200% of ordinary hourly rate
- Base rate × 2
Example:
- Grade 5 Electrician ($26.18/hr) works 5 hours on Saturday:
- First 2 hrs: 2 × $26.18 × 1.5 = $78.54
- Next 3 hrs: 3 × $26.18 × 2 = $157.08
Total Saturday pay: $235.62815
Sunday Overtime Calculation
All Sunday hours are paid at:
- 200% for full-time/part-time
- Base rate × 2
- 250% for casuals (including 25% loading)
- Base rate × 2.5
Example:
Same electrician works 4 hours Sunday:
- 4 × $26.18 × 2 = $209.4415
- Public Holiday Pay Rates: Special Rules
Public holidays under MA000025 have unique requirements:
- Worked hours: 250% of base rate
- Base rate × 2.5
Minimum engagement: 4 hours paid if called in
- If work <4 hours: paid for 4 hours
- If work >4 hours: paid actual hours8
Casual loading: 312.5% total
- (Base rate × 2.5) + 25%
Example:
Grade 3 Electrician ($24.49/hr) works 3 hours on Christmas Day:
Minimum engagement applies: 4 hrs payment
4 × $24.49 × 2.5 = $244.90815
2025 Changes to Electrical Award Rates
Important updates effective July 2025:
New emergency call-out allowance:
- $45 for first 30 minutes
- $22.50 per additional 30-minute block15
Revised apprentice wages:
- 1st Year: $609.01/week (under 21)
- Mature apprentices (21+): $875.92/week15
Night work allowance increase:
- Now $3.15/hour for work between 6pm-6am15
Common Calculation Mistakes to Avoid
Misclassifying work hours:
- Sunday vs Saturday rates differ
- Public holidays ≠ regular weekends
Casual loading errors:
- Forgetting to add 25% to overtime rates
- Example: Saturday casual = 187.5% (150% × 1.25)8
Allowance omissions:
- Forgetting night shift premium
- Missing license allowances ($35.82/week for electricians)15
Minimum engagement violations:
- 4-hour minimum for weekends/public holidays
- 2-hour minimum for weekdays
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Managing Electrical Award (MA000025) payroll? Workstem automates:
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FAQs About the Electrical Award 2025
Q1: Does MA000025 cover solar installers?
A1: Yes, if they perform electrical work (e.g., wiring, panel installation).
Q2: Are apprentices paid under this award?
A2: Yes, apprentices receive graduated pay rates (40-90% of Level 1 wage).
Q3：How is shift work calculated?
A3：Afternoon shifts: +15%, Night shifts: +30%.
Q4：What’s the minimum engagement period?
A4：4 hours for casuals, 3 hours for part-timers.
Q5: Can Workstem help with casual employee management?
A5: Absolutely. Workstem supports casual loading, dynamic rosters, and real-time tracking to ensure casual workers are paid correctly and fairly under the award.
Q6: Is Workstem compliant with Fair Work and STP2?
A6: Yes, Workstem is fully compliant with Fair Work obligations and Single Touch Payroll Phase 2 (STP2), ensuring seamless reporting to the ATO.
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