AN120152 – Community Pharmacy (State) Award 2001

22. MEAL BREAKS, REST PERIODS AND MEAL ALLOWANCE

22.1 In normal circumstances, an employee is required to take a meal break not more than five hours after commencing work, or any subsequent period of five hours. The meal break shall no be less than 45 minutes nor more than 1 hour, provided that, by agreement between the employer and the employee, other conditions may be observed

22.2 The meal break need not be taken if the employee is within one hour of finishing work.

22.3 A meal allowance as set out in item 4 of Table 2 - Other Rates and Allowances shall be paid where a meal break is required to be taken between a period of ordinary time and overtime or during a period of overtime. The meal allowance need not be paid if 24 hours notice of the requirement to work overtime is given.

22.4 An employee who is required to work beyond five hours without a meal break must be paid at overtime rates until a meal break is allowed.

22.5 An employee who is required to take their meal break on the premises for the purpose of attending to urgent matters requiring the input of a qualified pharmacist, shall be paid at time and a half for the period of the meal break.

22.6 Employees shall be allowed a rest period of 10 minutes each morning and afternoon and at the commencement of the final hour of work if a meal break is not taken in accordance with 22.2 above.

22.7 Where there are five or more employees, an employer shall provide a room containing adequate seating accommodation with a sufficient supply of hot water to allow employees to partake of meals during their meal break. Any dispute as to the practicability of providing such a room may be referred by the employer or the union to the conciliation committee.