20. Entitlement to breaks

20.1.  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.

 

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