What is a rostered day off?
A rostered day off (RDO) is a paid day off you earn by working slightly longer ordinary hours under some Modern Awards or agreements.
A rostered day off (RDO) is a paid day off that an employee accrues by working slightly more than their standard ordinary hours over a cycle. Instead of being paid for those extra minutes each day, the time builds up so the employee can take a full paid day off later.
RDOs are not a National Employment Standards entitlement — they come from specific Modern Awards or enterprise agreements, and the rules differ between them. Common in industries like construction and manufacturing, RDO systems set out how the day is accrued, scheduled, and what happens if an RDO falls on a public holiday.
Key facts
- •An RDO is a paid day off earned by working slightly longer ordinary hours over a cycle
- •RDOs come from Modern Awards or enterprise agreements, not the National Employment Standards
- •They are common in building, construction, and manufacturing
- •The award or agreement sets out how RDOs accrue and can be taken
- •Rules on substituting or paying out RDOs depend on the relevant award or agreement
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Award FinderFrequently asked questions
Are rostered days off paid?
Yes. An RDO is a paid day off because you have effectively pre-worked the time by doing slightly longer ordinary hours over the cycle, so you are not losing pay when you take it.
Does everyone get rostered days off?
No. RDOs are not a National Employment Standards right. They only apply if your Modern Award or enterprise agreement provides for them, which is common in industries like construction and manufacturing.
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