The Federal Government has included a “right to disconnect” in its industrial relations bill, which was rushed through the Senate last week in a last-minute deal with the Greens and crossbench.
According to News.com.au, the proposal is designed to prevent employees from being punished for refusing to answer unreasonable work calls or emails after they have finished work.
In a post on X, Greens leader Adam Band posted “If you’ve been asked to answer an email, take a call, or edit a doc on your day off, then this one’s for you.”
If you’ve been asked to answer an email, take a call, or edit a doc on your day off, then this one’s for you:
— Adam Bandt (@AdamBandt) February 7, 2024
The Greens have just won you the Right to Disconnect.
Now, you’ll have the right to ignore your boss when you clock off.
“The Greens have just won you the Right to Disconnect,” he wrote. “Now, you’ll have the right to ignore your boss when you clock off.”
Despite the Green’s push for a positive outcome for workers, the new legislation received a lot of backlash.
Perth Mayor Basil Zempilas claimed the laws were going too far in a post on X.
Is this the way to drive our country forward?
— Basil Zempilas (@BasilZempilas) February 7, 2024
Is this the spirit with which we built our great nation?
Is this the attitude which has meant good people can work hard and get ahead?
I think not. https://t.co/v9BX5JrvNi
“Is this the way to drive our country forward?” Mr Zempilas said.
“Is this the spirit with which we built our great nation? Is this the attitude which has meant good people can work hard and get ahead? I think not.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also backed the changes, which have already been introduced in several nations overseas.
“What we’re simply saying is someone who’s not being paid 24 hours a day shouldn’t be penalised if they’re not online and available 24 hours a day,” Mr Albanese said.
Source: News.com.au.
