Australia’s Senate committee will review the broad reforms proposed in the Fair Work Legislation Amendment Act 2023, including a high-profile bill that grants workers the “right to disconnect” from workplaces outside regulated hours, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald on February 1. The “right to disconnect” bill would bar bosses from contacting employees after hours through various channels, such as phones, emails, texts, or team messages. The bill will soon be debated in the federal parliament next week, along with other proposals such as allowing casual employees to become permanent if they wish and empowering the Fair Work Commission to set minimum pay and conditions for ‘gig economy’ workers and truck drivers.

The “right to disconnect” is a legal right initially introduced in France in 2017, with more than 20 countries such as Spain, France, and Ireland following suit since then. In Australia, the Green Party’s leader, Adam Bandt, first proposed the “right to disconnect” bill in March 2023, emphasizing the need for sensible guardrails to protect workers’ mental health in an increasingly digital world. Research conducted by The Australia Institute revealed that employers “steal more than 280 hours from their employees each year,” while highlighting the significant impact of overtime work on health, well-being, and productivity. However, Senator David Pocock contends that the bill should undergo public consultation and be strengthened to prevent misuse. Pocock also raised concerns that overly strict legislation risks taking Australia back to a rigid working environment.

Sources:

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/laws-to-stop-bosses-contacting-workers-after-hours-up-for-debate-20240201-p5f1oy.html

A New Bill Wants To Ban Your Boss From Contacting You After Hours

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/your-boss-could-be-barred-from-contacting-you-after-hours-under-a-new-bill/0qbpuo00f

https://www.landers.com.au/legal-insights-news/does-the-right-to-disconnect-fit-the-bill