My employer is changing my roster
Consultation requirements, reasonable notice for roster changes, and your right to refuse unreasonable changes.
Can your employer change your roster?
It depends on your employment type and what your award or agreement says. For full-time and part-time employees, your ordinary hours are usually set in your contract or award. Changes to your regular roster typically require consultation and reasonable notice. For casuals, there's generally no guaranteed roster, so changes are more common — but minimum engagement rules still apply for each shift you're given.
Consultation requirements
Most modern awards and enterprise agreements include consultation clauses for roster changes. Your employer must: inform you about the proposed change, explain the reasons for it, give you a genuine opportunity to provide input, and consider your views before making a final decision. Consultation doesn't mean you have a veto — but your employer can't just announce a change without going through the process.
How much notice is required?
The amount of notice required for roster changes varies by award. Many awards require 7 days' notice of a roster change, though some require 14 or 28 days. Check your specific award. Some awards allow shorter notice in genuine emergencies. If your award doesn't specify, the change must still be made with 'reasonable' notice — what's reasonable depends on the circumstances, including the impact on you.
Can you refuse a roster change?
You can refuse a roster change if: your employer hasn't followed the required consultation process, the notice period is too short, the change is unreasonable given your personal circumstances (childcare, second job, study commitments), or the change effectively alters your employment type (e.g. moving you from days to permanent nights without agreement). Under some awards, you can also refuse to work hours that are 'unreasonable' additional hours.
Part-time employees — special rules
If you're part-time, your agreed hours are set out in your contract or letter of engagement. Your employer generally can't change your regular days or hours without your agreement. Some modern awards now include 'facilitative' provisions that allow agreed variations, but the key word is 'agreed.' A unilateral change to your part-time hours could be a breach of contract or, in extreme cases, amount to a constructive dismissal.
What to do about unwanted roster changes
1. Check your award or agreement for the specific consultation and notice requirements. 2. Put your concerns in writing to your employer, explaining the impact of the change on you. 3. If your employer hasn't followed the required process, point that out specifically. 4. If you can't resolve it directly, contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. 5. You can apply to the Fair Work Commission to deal with a dispute about roster changes under your award's dispute resolution procedure.
Official resources
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.