As the fast food industry continues to evolve, understanding the legal obligations and rostering rules for fast food managers—especially within the Macca’s (McDonald’s) system—has become increasingly important. The Fast Food Industry Award 2025 introduces several updates aimed at clarifying and improving working conditions for employees, while also providing clear guidelines for employers. In this blog, we will explore the key rostering rules for Macca’s (McDonald’s) managers as stipulated by the Fast Food Industry Award 2025, helping you stay compliant and well-informed.
Understanding the Fast Food Award 2025
The Fast Food Industry Award 2025 establishes essential employment conditions, including pay rates, hours of work, and roster requirements for businesses operating in the fast food sector. As a manager at Macca’s, it’s vital to be aware of your responsibilities under this award. Familiarizing yourself with these rules will not only ensure compliance but will also foster a fair and efficient workplace.
Key Changes in the Fast Food Industry Award 2025
Minimum Wage Increases
- Base hourly rates have risen
- Junior & casual rates vary by age and experience.
Updated Penalty Rates (2025)
| Shift Type | Weekday Penalty | Saturday Penalty | Sunday Penalty | Public Holiday Penalty |
| Day Shift | Base Rate | +25% | +50% | +150% |
| Evening Shift (After 6 PM) | +15% | +40% | +65% | +175% |
| Overnight Shift (After 10 PM) | +25% | +50% | +75% | +200% |
Break & Rest Periods
- Minimum 10-hour break between shifts (unless waived in writing).
- Unpaid meal breaks: 30-60 minutes for shifts over 5 hours.
- Paid rest breaks: 10 minutes for every 4 hours worked.
Overtime Rules
- Daily overtime: Applies after 9.5 hours (or 11 hours for some roles).
- Weekly overtime: After 38 hours (averaged over a roster cycle).
Key Roster Rules for Macca’s Managers
- Employee Rights to Roster Changes: Employees must be notified about roster changes at least seven days in advance, barring any emergency situations. This allows team members to plan their personal commitments effectively.
- Minimum Shift Length: The minimum duration for any shift is three hours. This ensures that employees are compensated fairly for their time and efforts spent working.
- Roster Stability: Consistency in rosters is key. Where possible, Macca’s managers should aim to maintain regular weekly shifts for employees to promote reliability and job satisfaction.
- Weekend and Public Holiday Work: Special rules apply for shifts scheduled during weekends and public holidays. Employees who work during these periods are entitled to higher penalty rates, as outlined in the Fast Food Penalty Rates Calculator 2025. Be aware of these rates to ensure accurate payroll management and employee satisfaction.
Consultation Requirement Before implementing significant changes to the roster, managers must consult with employees affected by the changes. This process of consultation helps create a collaborative and transparent work environment.
- Access to Rosters: Employees should have ready access to their rosters. Displaying rosters prominently in the workplace ensures everyone is informed of their shifts and responsibilities.
- Flexibility and Employee Requests: Macca’s managers should also consider employee requests for shift changes or additional hours. While not always guaranteed, accommodating these requests where feasible can enhance employee morale and retention.
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
McDonald’s Case Study: Unlocking Fast Food Award Pay Rates
