Australian workers have the right to ignore work emails and calls outside of hours

The law is intended to protect employees' personal lives from work intrusion, which has become more common since the COVID-19 pandemic blurred the lines between work and private life.

A view of Sydney, Australia on May 14, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Jaimi Joy

Under the new law, except in cases of emergency or irregular work hours, employers cannot require employees to respond outside of working hours.

If there is a dispute, the Australian Fair Work Commission (FWC) will decide whether the employee's refusal to respond was reasonable, and can impose penalties of up to AUD 19,000 (Australian dollars) for individuals and AUD 94,000 for businesses that breach the rules.

However, some employer groups, such as the Australian Industry Group, are concerned the law could create confusion and impact on work flexibility, while slowing the economy.

The new law puts Australia in a growing list of countries that have adopted the "right to disconnect", mainly in Europe and Latin America, with France leading the way when it introduced the law in 2017.

The law is expected to help employees balance work and personal life, but also poses challenges for employers in managing human resources and ensuring business continuity.

Hong Hanh (Reuters, CNA)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nguoi-lao-dong-uc-tu-hom-nay-co-quyen-bo-qua-email-cuoc-goi-cong-viec-ngoai-gio-post309276.html