I understand how frustrating it can be when you're not receiving your payslips or a proper roster. It's essential to have these documents to keep track of your earnings and work schedule, and it's completely reasonable to want to ensure everything is above board. Not having these things can make you feel like your employer doesn't respect your rights, and I'm here to help you understand what you're entitled to and how to approach this situation.

Let me look up the most relevant information for your situation.

I understand you're not receiving payslips and don't have a proper roster from your employer. Both of these are significant workplace issues that need to be addressed.

Your Right to Payslips

Employees need to be given a pay slip within 1 working day of being paid. This is a legal requirement, not optional. Even if you're paid in cash, your employer still has to give you a pay slip.

Pay slips can be given electronically or in hard copy. Your employer can provide them via email, through an online portal, or as a physical document.

Your payslips must include specific information including employer's and employee's name, employer's Australian Business Number (if applicable), pay period, date of payment, gross and net pay, and detailed breakdown of hours, rates, and deductions.

How to Request Your Payslips

Start with a direct request - If you're not getting pay slips, the first step is to ask your employer to provide them to you.

Provide information - If your employer doesn't start giving you pay slips after you've asked them to, you should provide them with information from our website. You can send them the link above or print the page and give it to them.

Request a formal meeting - You can request a meeting with your employer if you haven't been able to resolve the issue. Give your employer at least 7 days to provide you with all your pay slips, before you take further steps.

Roster Requirements

While the documents don't specifically detail roster obligations, proper rostering falls under minimum workplace conditions. This includes: hours of work, breaks, rosters. Minimum conditions can be found in: an award, an enterprise agreement, the National Employment Standards.

Your Employer's Legal Obligations

Employers who engage employees under relevant Commonwealth workplace laws are required to: make and keep accurate and complete records for all of their employees (for example, time worked and wages paid), issue pay slips to each employee. These record-keeping and pay slip obligations are designed to ensure that employees receive their correct wages and entitlements.

Penalties apply for providing false or misleading information on a pay slip.

What You Should Do

I recommend approaching this systematically. Start by having a direct conversation with your employer about both issues. Many employers aren't aware of their legal obligations, and this might resolve the situation quickly.

We recommend employees keep a record of their hours, for example, in a diary or using our Record My Hours app. This will help you track your work patterns while waiting for proper documentation from your employer.

Give your employer a reasonable timeframe (at least 7 days) to provide all missing payslips and establish a proper roster system. Document your requests and their responses.

Legal Position

Your situation: You're being denied two fundamental workplace rights - receiving payslips within the required timeframe and having proper work scheduling arrangements.

Legal position: Your employer is breaching their legal obligations under Commonwealth workplace laws by failing to provide payslips within one working day of payment and not maintaining proper rostering practices. These aren't minor administrative oversights - they're violations of your basic employment rights that protect your ability to verify correct payment and plan your work-life balance. You have the right to request and receive both immediately, and your employer faces penalties for non-compliance.

Practical Workplace Strategy

• Stay Calm and Professional: Approach the conversation with your employer calmly and professionally. Avoid being accusatory.
• Document Everything: Keep a record of all communication with your employer regarding payslips and rosters, including dates, times, and what was discussed.
• Check Your Employment Contract and Award: Review your employment contract and any applicable Modern Award or Enterprise Agreement for specific clauses regarding working hours, rostering, and pay.

Actionable Steps

Here's a step-by-step approach to address the issues:

1. Initial Conversation (This Week)

   • Request a meeting with your employer to discuss the missing payslips and lack of a proper roster.
   • In the meeting, explain that you require these documents to ensure you're being paid correctly and to manage your schedule effectively.
   • Be polite but firm in stating your needs.

2. Written Request (Within 2 Days of Meeting)

   • If the initial conversation doesn't yield immediate results, send a formal written request (email or letter) reiterating your need for payslips and a roster.
   • Attach a copy of your hours tracking (diary, app records).
   • Cite the relevant sections of the Fair Work Act 2009 regarding employer obligations.

3. Follow-Up (7 Days After Written Request)

   • If you still haven't received the payslips or seen improvements in the rostering system, send a follow-up email.
   • State that you will be contacting the Fair Work Ombudsman if the situation is not resolved within a specified timeframe (e.g., another 7 days).

4. Contact Fair Work Ombudsman (If No Resolution)

   • If the situation remains unresolved, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman to lodge a formal complaint.
   • Provide all documentation, including your employment contract, written requests, and records of communication with your employer.

Combined Resources

• Fair Work Ombudsman: Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website for detailed information on employer obligations and employee rights.
• Record My Hours App: Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Record My Hours app to track your work hours accurately.
• Legal Aid: If you need further legal assistance, contact Legal Aid in your state or territory.
• Union: Contact your union representative for advice and support.

I know this whole situation can feel daunting, but remember, you have rights and you deserve to be treated fairly. Stay strong, stay organized, and don't be afraid to seek help when you need it.