Members located in Northern NSW who are affected by Cyclone Alfred are reminded that workers working in the general building and construction and the civil construction sector are covered by the Inclement Weather provisions in the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (see this link.).

Inclement weather means the existence of rain or abnormal climatic conditions(whether hail, extreme cold, high wind, severe dust storm, extreme high temperature or the like or any combination of these conditions) where it is not reasonable or it is unsafe for employees to continue working in those conditions. When inclement weather conditions exist, an affected employee is not required to start or continue to work where it is unreasonable or unsafe to do so. In cases where emergency work is required or it is necessary to complete a concrete pour already commenced to a practical stage, work may occur or continue provided that such work does not give rise to a reasonable concern on the part of an employee undertaking the work of an imminent risk to their health or safety.

Where an employee is not able to perform any work at any location because of inclement weather, the employee will receive payment at the ordinary hourly rate for ordinary hours. Payment for time lost due to inclement weather is subject to a maximum of 32 hours pay in any 4-week period for each employee.

Members with queries about inclement weather payment should contact Master Builders NSW Workplace Relations Department on 8586 3555.