CPSU NSW made representations on behalf of members at Life Without Barriers (LWB) following concerns that meal allowances were not being paid where they were required under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2020 (SCHADS Award). The issue reported by members of the CPSU NSW reported a breakdown in their payment process.
Under Clause 20.5 – Meal Allowance (SCHADS Award 2010), employees required to work overtime may be entitled to either:
- a meal provided by the employer, or
- a meal allowance paid in addition to overtime payments.
As a result of CPSU NSW’s representations, Life Without Barriers has implemented a new process for the payment of meal allowances. Going forward, where approved overtime is worked and meal allowance eligibility is met, Disability Support Leaders will be required to include the comment “meal allowance payment” in the timesheet. This will trigger the processing and payment of the allowance.
LWB has also advised that, in eligible cases, moving forward it will pay the meal allowance rather than provide a meal, and that it is prepared to review and backpay any meal allowances that have not been paid where eligibility is met.
What members should do
Members who have worked approved overtime in the past, were not provided a meal by Life Without Barriers, and believe they may not have received a meal allowance should check their payslips and records. Where a meal allowance may have been missed, members should email their Disability Support Leader directly, providing details of the relevant shift(s) and any supporting information demonstrating their eligibility.
If you do not receive a timely response, or if the matter is not resolved satisfactorily, please contact the union’s Member Support Centre with reference number: C10018869 via the email address below for further assistance.
This outcome highlights the importance of being a union member. It was only because members raised their concerns with CPSU NSW that the issue was identified, pursued with the employer, and a commitment secured to review LWB processes and backpay any unpaid meal allowances.
A stronger membership means a stronger voice to ensure entitlements are properly applied and paid.
Encourage your colleagues to join CPSU NSW and stand together to protect workplace rights and entitlements.
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