In Australia, workers will soon have the right to ignore unreasonable calls and messages from their bosses after working hours, without the fear of being penalized. The right to disconnect is part of a new legislation proposed by the federal government, aimed at protecting workers’ rights and restoring work-life balance. The bill, which includes various amendments to labor relations laws, is set to be tabled in parliament later this week.
Under the proposed law, employees will have the right to refuse excessive contact from their employers outside of working hours. Additionally, they will be able to decline unpaid overtime. Employment Minister Tony Burke emphasized the importance of these rights, stating that people who are not paid for working round the clock should not face penalties for not being constantly available.
While there is no specific EU-wide law addressing the right to disconnect, the EU recognizes the significance of work-life balance. Certain EU countries have already implemented measures to address work-related stress and promote a healthier work-life balance.
However, not everyone is supportive of the new legislation. Some politicians, employers’ groups, and business leaders argue that the right to disconnect could undermine the move toward flexible working and potentially harm competitiveness.
The bill also encompasses other provisions, such as a more clearly defined transition from temporary to permanent employment, along with minimum standards for temporary workers and truck drivers.
This legislation comes as Australians work an average of six weeks of unpaid overtime each year, resulting in over 92 billion Australian dollars (55.8 billion euros) in unpaid wages for the economy.
As the implementation of the bill draws nearer, it is expected to stir discussions about work-life balance, employees’ rights, and the overall impact on the labor market.
