19. Entitlement to breaks
19.1. Staff members are entitled to breaks for meals, morning/afternoon tea, safety and changing time for purpose of washing and changing in accordance with the following table:
Type of break | Qualification | Entitlement | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
Meal | Professional staff | Not less than 30 minutes after five consecutive hours of work | Meal break does not count as time worked |
Shift worker | Not less than 20 minutes during the first five hours of shift | Meal break is counted as time worked | |
Two hours overtime continuing after completing ordinary hours of work | Additional break not more than one hour and meal allowance at rate specified in clause 27.15 | Meal break does not count as time worked | |
Tea | Professional staff | Ten minutes each morning and afternoon | Tea breaks counted as time worked except where local agreements supersede. |
Safety | When emergency work is undertaken or overtime worked in technical or similar areas | 20 minutes on completion of every four hours of work | Safety breaks counted as time worked |
Changing time for purpose of washing and changing | Where working conditions require | Five minutes prior to breaks and completion of work | Counts as time worked – local agreements may supersede. |
19.2. The University acknowledges staff may require flexibility around their breaks, including the use of micro breaks for wellness, family support, religious observation, to meet personal requirements and/or other commitments. In these cases, staff may request a flexible work in accordance with clause 45 of the Agreement.
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