Bonuses for night, Sunday, or holiday work might sound like a ‘nice to have’—but they can make a real difference to your paycheck. To know what you can actually claim, it’s worth taking a quick look at your employment contract, any applicable collective agreements, and your payslips.
When are extra payments guaranteed—and when are they negotiable?
By law, not every bonus is automatically granted. In practice, collective agreements (such as those in trades, manufacturing, healthcare, or logistics) or company policies often specify if and how much extra you’ll get. For Sunday or public holiday work, there are specific legal protections, and in many cases, a compensatory day off is required.
Key things to check:
- Exact definition of night hours (for example, from 10 or 11 p.m.)
- Percentages or flat-rate amounts—and whether these are based on your base wage or average wage
- Whether bonuses also apply to overtime, vacation, or sick leave
- Deadlines: By when you must submit claims in writing
How to check your payslip in 5 minutes
Lay out your shift roster, timesheet, and payslip side by side.
- Do the hours per shift match?
- Are night, Sunday, and holiday hours correctly marked?
- Does the bonus rate match your contract or collective agreement?
Tip: First simply ask, ‘How is this calculated?’—in many cases, a quick question can resolve mix-ups right away.
If you’re unsure: Have a quick review of your contract by a professional, or ask HR about the specific rules in your workplace.