Aluminium Industry 2025 Pay Rates (MA000060)

Plain-English Summary

Who does this award cover?

The Aluminium Industry covers employees in the aluminium industry, including smelter operators, potline workers, casthouse operators, and maintenance staff at aluminium smelters and refineries. If you work in aluminium smelting, refining, or rolling, this award applies to you. It covers approximately 8,000 workers across Australia.

This award does NOT cover bauxite miners (Mining Industry Award, MA000011), general manufacturing workers (Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award, MA000010), or aluminium fabrication workers. See clause 4.1 for the full coverage terms.

How classification levels work

Classifications cover roles from general process worker through to trades worker, operator, and supervisor. Continuous shiftworkers and non-shiftworkers have different provisions.

Key features of this award

Aluminium smelters operate continuously (24/7) because the smelting process cannot be interrupted. Most production employees are continuous shiftworkers with specific penalty and overtime provisions reflecting this continuous operation.

Classification Levels and Base Rates

All rates effective 1 July 2025. Source: Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review 2024-25.

Refer to the Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000060 for current dollar amounts for each classification level. Hourly rate = weekly rate / 38. Casual rate = hourly rate x 1.25.

Penalty Rates

Penalty rate multipliers from the Fair Work Commission penalty rate schedule for MA000060. All penalties are calculated on the base hourly rate.

The award specifies penalty rates ranging from 100% to 275% depending on when and how you work.

Full-Time and Part-Time Employees

Casual Employees

Penalty rate categories in this award

The following penalty rate descriptions apply under MA000060:

• Afternoon and rotating night
• Day
• Monday to Saturday - after 3 hours
• Monday to Saturday - first 3 hours
• Monday to Sunday
• Permanent night
• Public holiday
• Public holiday - all day
• Saturday
• Sunday
• Sunday - all day

Casual penalty rates include the 25% casual loading. Refer to the specific award clauses for exact percentages applicable to each classification level and employment type.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Casual worker on a Sunday

A casual employee working a 4 hours-hour minimum shift on a Sunday.

• Base hourly rate: refer to your classification level in the MA000060 pay guide
• Sunday casual rate: base rate x Sunday casual penalty percentage
• Minimum payment: Sunday casual rate x 4 hours hours
• Clause reference: refer to casual penalty rates clause

Example 2: Full-time worker on a public holiday

A full-time employee working an 8-hour public holiday shift.

• Base hourly rate: refer to your classification level in the MA000060 pay guide
• Public holiday rate: base rate x public holiday percentage (up to 275%)
• Total: public holiday rate x 8 hours
• Clause reference: refer to public holiday clause

Example 3: Part-time worker with overtime

A part-time employee who works 2 hours beyond their rostered hours on a weekday.

• Base hourly rate: refer to your classification level in the MA000060 pay guide
• Overtime rate: base rate x overtime percentage
• Clause reference: refer to overtime clause

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do aluminium smelters run 24/7?

Aluminium smelting involves an electrolysis process that must run continuously. Shutting down a potline is extremely costly and damaging to equipment. This is why most smelter workers are continuous shiftworkers.

2. Do continuous shiftworkers get extra annual leave?

Yes, continuous shiftworkers receive an additional week of annual leave (5 weeks total) under the National Employment Standards.

3. Are maintenance workers at smelters covered?

Yes, maintenance employees at aluminium smelters and refineries are covered by this award, classified at the appropriate level.

4. What is the minimum shift length under this award?

The minimum engagement for casual and part-time employees is 4 hours per shift. Even if you are sent home early, you must be paid for the minimum shift length.

5. How do I check my exact pay rate?

Use our free calculator or refer to the Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000060. You can also contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 for free advice.

Check Your Rate

Working in aluminium smelting and processing and want to know your exact pay rate? Use our free calculator to check.

Check your pay rate now

Select your classification, shiftwork type (continuous or non-continuous), employment type, and the days you work.

Schema Markup Suggestions

FAQ Schema (FAQPage)

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Table Schema (Dataset)

• name: "Aluminium Industry MA000060 Pay Rates July 2025"
• description: "Classification levels and penalty rates for aluminium smelter and refinery employees under the Aluminium Industry"
• temporalCoverage: "2025-07-01/.."
• creator: Fair Work Commission
• license: CC BY 4.0

Breadcrumb Schema

Home > Awards > Aluminium Industry (MA000060)

Rates current as of 1 July 2025. Source: Fair Work Commission, CC BY 4.0. This information is general in nature and is not legal advice. Always verify rates against the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT) at calculate.fairwork.gov.au.