It can definitely be confusing trying to figure out which award covers your specific job – many people find themselves in the same situation. It's essential to get this right, as your award determines your minimum pay and conditions. Don't worry, I can help you figure this out.

To determine the correct award for your job, I need to gather some information from the Fair Work Commission. Let me look up the most relevant information for your situation. I understand you're trying to figure out which award covers your job - this is actually a really common question and there are several straightforward ways to find out.

The easiest way to start is by asking your employer directly. To find out which award covers you, ask your employer. They should know which award applies to your workplace and role.

If you want to research it yourself, there are some great online tools available:

The Fair Work Ombudsman has a "Find my award" tool that's specifically designed for this purpose. You can find out which modern award applies using our Find my award tool and You can work out your award coverage by using our 3-step Find my award tool.

You can also browse through all available awards if you prefer to look through them yourself. You can also browse our List of awards and All modern awards are listed on the Find an award page.

Understanding how awards work will help you identify the right one:

Modern awards are industry or occupation-based, and apply to employers and employees who perform work covered by the award. So you'll need to think about both the industry you work in and the type of work you actually do.

It's important to know that You can't rely on the award title to determine if the award covers the employee. You need to look at the actual coverage clause in the award, which is usually clause 4.

A few important things to keep in mind:

• If an enterprise agreement covers you, you are not covered by an award. So check first if your workplace has an enterprise agreement.

• Managers or higher income employees may not be covered by a modern award even if one applies to the industry in which they work.

• A workplace can be covered by more than one award depending on the jobs that the employees do.

If you're still having trouble after trying these tools, it's best to check with us - you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for help.

Your situation: You're unsure which award applies to your job and need guidance on how to identify the correct one.

Legal position: You have the right to know which award covers your employment as this determines your minimum pay rates and working conditions. The most reliable approach is to use the Fair Work Ombudsman's "Find my award" tool or ask your employer directly, as they have a responsibility to apply the correct award to your employment. If no specific industry award applies to your role, you may be covered by the Miscellaneous Award or fall under the National Employment Standards and minimum wage provisions.

Practical Workplace Strategy

• Start with Your Employer: Asking your employer is the most direct way to find out which award applies. They should be able to provide this information readily. If they don't, that could be a red flag.
• Check Your Contract: Your employment contract may specify the relevant award. If it does, that's a great starting point, but always double-check using the FWO tools to ensure it's accurate.
• Observe Workplace Practices: Pay attention to how your colleagues are treated – are their pay rates and conditions consistent with a particular award? This can give you a clue, but don't rely on it solely.
• Document Everything: Keep a record of your hours, pay, and any other relevant details of your employment. This will be helpful if you need to make a claim later.
• Confidentiality: Be discreet when discussing award coverage with colleagues, especially if you suspect underpayment or other issues.

Actionable Steps

1. Ask Your Employer: As mentioned, start by asking your employer which award applies to your role. Make a note of their response and the date you asked.
2. Use the "Find my award" Tool: Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman's "Find my award" tool and answer the questions as accurately as possible. This should give you a list of possible awards.
3. Review the Award Coverage Clause: Once you have a list of possible awards, carefully read the coverage clause (usually clause 4) in each award to see if it applies to your job.
4. Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman: If you're still unsure, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for assistance. They can provide guidance and help you determine the correct award.
5. Consider Union Membership: Joining a union relevant to your industry can provide you with expert advice and support on award coverage and workplace rights.

Combined Resources

• Fair Work Ombudsman:

  • "Find my award" tool
  • List of awards

• Union: Find a union relevant to your industry and inquire about membership benefits and support.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to understanding your award coverage and ensuring you're receiving your correct entitlements.