Union warning on NSW Easter penalty rates

NSW cafe owners are being warned to expect visits from union officials to ensure they are paying correct penalty rates over the Easter weekend.

All four days of the long weekend are public holidays, with hospitality and retail staff eligible for penalties of up to double time and a half.

Unions NSW assistant secretary Thomas Costa says young casual workers are particularly vulnerable to exploitation.

"Union officials will be out in force across NSW this Easter long weekend making sure businesses are paying their staff their full penalty rate entitlements," he said on Friday.

"Most employers are excellent so it's really important they don't have to compete with people who are ripping off their staff."

Workers should ensure they know their rights and contact their union if there is any doubt, he said.

Employees are also being reminded it is voluntary to work on public holidays.

"The Easter long weekend is a good time to relax with family and friends and that's what we encourage working people to do," Mr Costa said.

"Australia Institute data shows on average, Australian workers do 6.1 hours of unpaid overtime a week. That's like giving $230 to your boss each week."