Daylight Saving in WA

On Sunday 30 March at 2.00 am Western Standard Time, the conclusion of the second trial period of daylight saving will occur. 

The State government has not made regulations to manage the changeover from standard time to summer time.   Therefore, employers need to consider arrangements for the payment of wages for employees affected by changes to their hours of work as a result of daylight saving.

Employees most likely to be impacted are those who work shifts at change over to and from daylight saving – these workers will include health and aged care, cleaning, security, hotels, metals manufacturing, clothing workers, road workers and any other businesses that operates 24/7.   These employees will generally work one hour less at the time of introduction, and one hour more at cessation of daylight saving.

In the absence of specific provisions relating to daylight saving, the parties to awards and agreements may wish to adopt industry standards or develop their own procedures to deal fairly with employees.   Employers and employees need to check the relevant award or agreement to see if there are provisions relating to daylight saving, or if there are other provisions that may arise as a result of daylight saving – such as overtime rates for those employees working one hour more at the cessation of daylight saving.

Whatever arrangements are put in place, it is important for employers to communicate with their employees so that they know what will happen on the changeover dates.

If you are in the State industrial relations system and need more information contact Wageline on 1300 655 266.