“Right To Disconnect” Australia To Implement New Laws In Workspace (image-freepik)
Australia has decided to implement new laws that would give workers the right to ignore unreasonable calls and messages from their bosses after the worktime. The ‘closing loophole bills’ is set to pass in the Senate on Thursday, reports the Guardian.
Unreasonable Emails and calls after work hours can be ignored and will be given potential fines if the rule is breached. The law that will be implemented is part of a raft of changes to industrial relation laws proposed by the federal government under a parliamentary bill. This is to protect workers” rights and help restore work-life balance.
This right has been granted to employees of several countries including France, Spain, and other countries in the European Union.
As per the bill which is to be tabled, it gives the provision to for the employees to initially raise the issue with the employer if they are being unnecessarily contacted or hassled after work hours. If the issue continues, then the employer can opt to take the case to the Fair Work Commission for a stop order, which could result in fines if the employer fails to comply.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese brought this view to safeguard worker’s rights and restore a healthy work-life balance. “What we are simply saying is that someone who isn’t being paid 24 hours a day shouldn’t be penalised if they’re not online and available 24 hours a day,” Albanese told reporters. The bill also includes other provisions including clearer pathways from temporary to permanent work and minimum standards for temporary workers and truck drivers.
Meanwhile, the left-wing Greens who supports the bill, was the first one to propose it last year. He said it was a big win for the party. However, some politicians, employer groups, and corporate leaders have warned the right-to-disconnect provision was an overreach and would undermine the move towards flexible working and impact competitiveness.
