Members are reminded that for those covered by Industry EBA 2011-2015, this year’s Picnic Day falls on 7 December (14 December for those within 25km area from Mildura). Employees who would have otherwise worked on 7 December (or 14 December as applicable) are entitled to take this day as picnic day without deduction of pay – provided that:

• Any employee required to work shall be paid in accordance with public holiday rates at double time and a half – with a minimum payment of 4 hours (Note: travel, site and first aid allowance are not payable for this day unless an employee actually works);

• The employer may require from an employee evidence of his/her attendance at the picnic (e.g. production of the butt of a ticket) – with no payment requirement where such requested evidence is not produced. Master Builders recommends employers communicate to employees ahead of time on whether such evidence is required; and

• Where the Company holds a regular picnic for his/her employees on some other working day during the year such day may be given (and taken) in lieu of the Building Industry Picnic Day.

Members seeking further information should contact the IR Department on (03) 9411 4560.