Summary

Classifications determine pay rates, duties, and levels of responsibility under Awards or Agreements. Misclassification or higher duties can result in underpayment or incorrect progression. Issues commonly relate to work performed above the classified level or inconsistencies between PDs and actual duties.

Questions

• Current role title and what appears on the payslip.
• Instrument, classification, and pay point.
• Higher duties performed (directed or voluntary) and frequency - were you directed to do these duties?
• Current PD accuracy; higher‑level PD available?
• History of higher duties allowance payments.

Preliminary Advice

Identify classification and level

• Open classification structure and read with the member.
• Compare the level above to confirm placement.
• Check higher duties clause and eligibility.

If classification seems wrong

• Provide instrument for review before escalation.
• Look for local regrade policy (HR/delegations).
• Draft a duties list aligned to higher level descriptors.

Things to Remember

• Choosing to perform higher duties usually does not create an entitlement.
• If directed to perform higher duties, additional payment is likely but will be dependent on the Award or EBA.
  
• Simply doing dome duties from a higher classification does not automatically warrant a regrade.
• Qualifications can affect starting level or progression.
• Some are paid above classification rate; others may be entitled to backpay.
  
• In NSW Health, there is a significant difference between Personal and Positional Regrades. Personal regrades are only available if the award expressly provides for it.

Escalation/Referral

• Supervisor/MSD Manager: For MSO allocation and coordination.
• Industrial Officer: Formal reclassification disputes or underpayment claims.
• Organiser: When groups of employees believe they are misclassified.
  

Copy–Paste Email Templates

Classification Info Request (MSO to Member)

Subject: Classification/Grading – Information Request

Hi [Name],

Please send:
• Your industrial instrument and current classification/pay point which can be found on your payslip
• Current PD and any the PD for the grade you think you are working at.
• Examples and evidence of the higher grade duties you are completing.
• Recent payslips showing any higher duties allowance

Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Member Services

Regrade Request (Member to Manager/HR)

Subject: Request for Review of Classification/Grading

Dear [Manager/HR],

I am currently classified as [Level/Pay Point]. My duties include [examples]. I believe my current classification is incorrect and I should in fact be classified as [Level/Pay Point]. I am requesting a review of my classification against the [Award/EBA] descriptors. I’ve attached my current PD and a duties list.

Kind regards,
[Name]
[Role/Worksite]