Rotating rosters cycle employees through different shifts (day, afternoon, night) over a set period. Under most awards, employers must give at least 7 days' notice of roster changes. You can refuse unreasonable changes to your regular roster.
Last verified: 21 May 2026Rotating rosters cycle employees through different shifts (day, afternoon, night) over a set period. Under most awards, employers must give at least 7 days' notice of roster changes. You can refuse unreasonable changes to your regular roster.
A rotating roster cycles employees through different shift times — for example, one week of day shifts, one week of afternoons, one week of nights. Common in healthcare, manufacturing, mining, and emergency services. Rosters may rotate weekly, fortnightly, or over longer cycles (e.g. 4 weeks on, 1 week off in mining).
Most Modern Awards require a minimum 7 days' notice for roster changes, although some require 14 or 28 days. The General Retail Industry Award requires 7 days' notice (or 3 days by mutual agreement). If your employer changes your roster without adequate notice, you may be entitled to overtime or penalty rates for the changed shifts.
Employees on rotating rosters are entitled to the applicable shift loading for each shift type worked. Afternoon shift loadings are typically 115%–120%, and night shift loadings 125%–130%. Weekend shifts attract the standard Saturday and Sunday penalty rates under your award.
Under s145A of the Fair Work Act, award-covered employees have the right to be consulted about changes to regular rosters or hours. If the change is unreasonable, you can raise a dispute through your award's dispute resolution process or contact the Fair Work Commission. Having caring responsibilities or study commitments strengthens your case.
Under s65 of the Fair Work Act, certain employees (parents, carers, those over 55, those with a disability, those experiencing domestic violence) can request flexible working arrangements, including fixed rather than rotating shifts. Employers can only refuse on reasonable business grounds.
Most awards require 7 days' notice for roster changes. Some require 14 or 28 days. Shorter notice (e.g. 3 days) may be permitted by mutual agreement under some awards.
You can challenge unreasonable roster changes. Under s145A of the Fair Work Act, your employer must consult with you about changes to regular rosters. You can raise a dispute through your award's process.
You receive the applicable shift loading for each shift type worked — afternoon shifts typically attract 115%–120% and night shifts 125%–130%. Weekend shifts attract standard penalty rates.
Certain employees can request flexible working arrangements under s65, including fixed shifts. Your employer can only refuse on reasonable business grounds.
Most awards require 10–12 hours between shifts. When rotating from night to day shift, some awards require 48 hours off to allow adjustment.
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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is general information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.
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