Can My Employer Change My Roster Without Asking? Roster Change Rights Australia 2026

Generally, yes — employers have the right to set and change rosters as part of their management prerogative. However, most modern awards require employers to give at least 7 days' notice of a roster change, and some require 14 days or 28 days for significant changes. Under the General Retail Industry Award, for example, an employer must give 7 days' notice of a roster change unless the employee genuinely agrees to a shorter period.

Under the Hospitality Award, the notice period is also 7 days. For part-time employees, changing agreed hours may require a formal variation of the part-time agreement — an employer cannot unilaterally change a part-time employee's agreed hours without their consent.

For full-time employees on rotating rosters, the award's roster provisions apply.

You may have grounds to refuse a roster change if: the employer didn't give the required notice under your award, the change would result in unreasonable additional hours (section 62 of the Fair Work Act), the change conflicts with your caring or family responsibilities and you've a flexible work arrangement in place, the change would breach your employment contract (e.g., your contract specifies 'Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm'), or the change is being made as a form of adverse action (punishment for exercising a workplace right). For part-time employees, your agreed hours and days are set out in your employment agreement — your employer generally can't change these without your agreement. If you're asked to work additional hours beyond your agreed part-time hours, these should be treated as overtime and paid at overtime rates.

Part-time employees have stronger protections around roster changes because their hours are agreed in writing. Under most awards, a part-time employee's regular pattern of work must be agreed in writing, including: the number of hours per week, which days of the week, and start and finish times. Any change to these agreed terms requires the employee's genuine agreement.

If your employer unilaterally changes your part-time hours without your consent, this may be a breach of your award. However, some awards include facilitative provisions that allow roster changes with shorter notice or by agreement.

The key question is whether you genuinely agreed — being told 'this is happening whether you like it or not' isn't genuine agreement.

Step 1: Check your award's roster change provisions — specifically the notice period required and any consultation requirements. Step 2: If the employer did not give proper notice or did not consult, raise it in writing. Cite the specific award clause.

Step 3: If unresolved, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) for advice. They can investigate breaches of award provisions.

Step 4: If the roster change amounts to a significant change to your conditions and you believe it is being done to force you to resign, document everything — this may constitute constructive dismissal. Step 5: If you are a part-time employee and your agreed hours are being changed without consent, this is a clear award breach. Lodge a dispute with the FWC if your employer will not cooperate. Keep records of all roster changes, communications, and the impact on your personal circumstances.