Australia is planning to make a new law that lets workers say ‘no’ to unnecessary calls or messages from their bosses after work hours. The government wants to make sure employees have a good balance between work and personal life. This proposal, known as the Right to Disconnect, is part of a larger plan to protect workers’ rights.
Once implemented, the law will stop employers from expecting their staff to work without pay after regular working hours. Tony Burke, employment minister, mentioned that most senators are supporting this idea. Furthermore, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, explained that if someone is not getting paid all the time, they shouldn’t be in trouble for not being available 24/7.
The bill is expected to be introduced in the parliament later this week.
Apart from the Right to Disconnect, the law also includes other things, such as making it easier for temporary workers to become permanent employees and setting basic standards for temporary workers and truck drivers.
Despite the government’s intentions, some politicians, employer groups, and corporate leaders argue that the right to disconnect provision goes too far, potentially undermining flexible working arrangements and competitiveness.
However, Greens, the political party which originally proposed the rule last year, hailed the legislation as a significant victory. According to the party, Australians work about six weeks without pay each year, totalling over A$92 billion (US$60.13 billion) in unpaid wages. It has been pointed out that the time people spend working without pay belongs to them, not their bosses.
