Understanding the rules and legal pay formulas for split shifts in the cleaning industry is crucial for both employers and employees. This blog will clarify the definition of split shifts under the Cleaning Services Award MA000022, explain minimum engagement pay requirements, highlight common underpayment scenarios, and provide helpful calculations for legal compliance.
What is a Split Shift?
A split shift in the cleaning industry refers to a work schedule that is divided into two or more segments within a single day. For example, an employee might work from 8 AM to 11 AM, take a long break, and then resume work from 4 PM to 7 PM. According to the MA000022 award, specific rules govern how split shifts are structured and compensated.
Who Does It Apply To?
These regulations apply to employees working under the Cleaning Services Award MA000022 across various states, including New South Wales (NSW), Victoria (VIC), and Queensland (QLD). Employers must be aware of these laws to ensure fairness and compliance in their employment practices.
When Are Split Shifts Used?
Split shifts are commonly utilized in environments where cleaning work is needed at multiple times throughout the day. For example:
- Commercial cleaning in offices after business hours.
- Caretaking jobs for facilities that require constant maintenance.
How to Calculate Split Shift Pay
Example: Level 3 Casual working:
- 8-10 AM (Office clean)
- 4-6 PM (Return clean)
- 1-hour travel time
| Pay Component | Calculation | Amount |
| AM Engagement | 3h guarantee × $31.50 | $94.50 |
| PM Engagement | 3h guarantee × $31.50 | $94.50 |
| Travel Time | 1h × $31.50 | $31.50 |
| Total | $220.50 |
How Workstem Helps Cleaning Services Award 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 Cleaning Services Award 2025, and keeps you up-to-date with changes in wage rates, penalty rates, and overtime rules.
Managing payroll under the Cleaning Services Award 2025 can be complex. Workstem’s workforce management software ensures:
- Our award interpretation software
- Auto-calculates penalties + casual loading
- Flags classification errors
- Generates Fair Work-compliant payslips
- 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.
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FAQs About the Cleaning Services Award 2025
Q1: What’s new in the 2025 Cleaning Services Award?
A1: 3.5% minimum wage increase (projected) for all cleaner levels; Stronger record-keeping requirements for remote/work-from-home cleaners; Clarified overtime rules for mobile workers (travel time between sites now counts toward daily hours).
Q2: Are casual cleaners entitled to the same benefits as part-time or full-time employees?
A2: No, casual cleaners receive a casual loading but do not have access to paid leave benefits provided to part-time or full-time employees.
Q3: What are the common penalties for misclassifying cleaning staff?
A3: Employers can face fines and legal penalties if they incorrectly classify cleaning staff or fail to comply with the pay rates set forth in the Cleaning Services Award.
Q4: Do part-time cleaners get penalty rates?
A4: Yes! Part-timers receive the same penalties as full-timers:
- 125% Saturdays
- 150% Sundays
- 250% Public Holidays
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.
Read More：
Cleaning Services Award Guide [MA000022]
Automate MA000022 compliance with Workstem’s payroll software. [Start Free Trial]
