In 2025, bread and butter (and pizza) were at the forefront of wage discussions, especially with the recent $150,000 fine imposed on Domino’s for non-compliance with the Fast Food Industry Award. As we dive deeper into 2025’s fast food award violations, it’s essential for both employees and employers to understand the implications of these actions and the overarching landscape of wage rights within the fast food sector
Understanding the Fast Food Award 2025
The Fast Food Industry Award 2025 sets the minimum employment standards for workers in Australia’s fast food sector, covering pay rates, penalty rates, overtime, and leave entitlements. Recent cases, including Domino’s $150K wage theft fine, highlight the importance of compliance for employers.
Key Provisions of the Fast Food Award
- Minimum Wage Rates: Employers must pay their workers according to the stipulated wage rates outlined in the award. This includes base rates for casual, full-time, and part-time workers, as well as overtime rates.
- Penalty Rates: Employees working during weekends and public holidays are entitled to penalty rates, which significantly increase their earnings during these periods. It’s vital for employers to calculate these accurately to avoid underpayment.
- Hours of Work: The award outlines maximum weekly working hours and stipulations for breaks, ensuring employees maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Rights and Entitlements: The Fast Food Industry Award ensures that employees receive their rights regarding leave, superannuation, and termination of employment.
The Domino’s Case: A Look at the Violations
The recent $150,000 fine against Domino’s highlights significant lapses in adhering to these essential guidelines. The case, which has gained considerable media attention, sheds light on a critical issue: wage theft in the fast food industry.
Wage theft occurs when employers fail to pay employees their entitled wages or fail to properly classify their employment status. This can manifest in many ways, including:
- Misclassifying employees as independent contractors to avoid paying benefits.
- Failing to pay overtime or penalty rates.
- Not providing employees with proper breaks.
With fast food establishments often operating on tight profit margins, it can be easy for compliance to take a backseat. However, as the Domino’s case illustrates, the costs of non-compliance can outweigh the short-term savings.
How Workstem Helps Fast Food Businesses
Simplify award interpretation and payroll processing with Workstem, the all-in-one workforce management & payroll software designed for every industry. Our system supports 122+ modern awards & 34 EAs, including the Fast Food Award 2025, and keeps you up-to-date with changes in wage rates, penalty rates, and overtime rules.
Managing payroll under the Fast Food Award 2025 can be complex. Workstem’s workforce management software ensures:
- Accurate award interpretation
- Automated penalty rates & overtime calculations
- Compliant payslips & record-keeping
- Seamless integrations with Xero, NetSuite, and more
Choose from our Standard or Advanced plan to suit your business needs, and stay Fair Work compliant with confidence.
Book a free demo with our payroll experts and experience how Workstem can streamline your payroll and workforce operations.
FAQs About the Fast Food Industry Award 2025
Q1: What is the Fast Food Industry Award 2025?
A1: The Fast Food Industry Award 2025 (MA000003) is the legal framework set by Australia’s Fair Work Commission that outlines minimum pay rates, working conditions, and employee entitlements for workers in the fast food sector.
Q2: Who is covered by the Award?
A2: The award covers a range of employees working in fast food establishments, including but not limited to kitchen staff, servers, and management positions. Details on specific classifications and roles can be found in the award documentation.
Q3: What are the working hours stipulated in the award?
A3: The Fast Food Industry Award outlines standard working hours, which often include provisions for part-time and casual employees. Specific details about shift lengths, minimum hours, and rostering practices can vary, so it’s advisable to check the full award.
Q4: How do I know if I’m paying the correct penalty rates?
A4: Penalty rates depend on the day, time, and classification level. Workstem automatically calculates penalty rates based on the latest award conditions to ensure compliance.
Q5: Are there provisions for part-time and casual employees?
A5: Yes, the award includes specific provisions for part-time and casual employees, including how hours are calculated, rights to leave, and any penalties applicable for irregular hours.
Read More：
Updated Fast Food Industry Award Pay Rates 2024: What You Need to Know
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