NO MORE AFTER-HOURS WORK EMAILS, CALLS: AUSTRALIA ENFORCES “RIGHT TO DISCONNECT” LAW

Tue 27 August 2024:

Australian employees can now legally ignore work emails, texts, and calls outside of work hours, thanks to a new “right to disconnect” law that came into effect on Monday. The law protects workers from being penalized for not responding to work-related communications during their personal time.

This new legislation is a response to the increasing intrusion of work into home life, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. John Hopkins, an associate professor at Swinburne University of Technology, highlighted that before digital technology, such encroachments were rare, but now it’s common to receive work communications outside of regular hours.

Global Trend with Local Impact

Australia joins about two dozen other countries, including France, which pioneered similar rules in 2017. In Australia, where workers averaged 281 hours of unpaid overtime in 2023, this law aims to protect personal time while still allowing for emergencies.

While the Australian Industry Group, representing employers, warns of potential confusion and economic slowdowns due to the law, supporters argue it will help workers push back against unreasonable demands. The law includes provisions for reasonable contact in emergencies, but the Fair Work Commission will determine the reasonableness of refusing to respond.

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Encouraging Better Work-Life Balance

Rachel Abdelnour, an advertising professional, welcomed the law, saying it’s crucial in an era where people are constantly connected. The president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, Michele O’Neil, added that the law would encourage employers to consider the necessity of after-hours communication, preventing workers from bearing the brunt of poor planning.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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