New resources unveiled ahead of implementation later this month
The Fair Work Commission has unveiled new educational materials about the "right to disconnect" ahead of its implementation later this month.
These include a downloadable Fact Sheet and nearly two-minute animation about the right to disconnect.
The right to disconnect grants employees the power to refuse to monitor, read, or respond to contact or attempted contact outside of their working hours, unless their refusal is unreasonable.
It is set to take effect on August 26 for most workplaces; implementation for small businesses is scheduled for August 26, 2025.
Ahead of its implementation, the Australian Council of Trade Unions urged the Fair Work Commission to include "more practical detail" to prevent unnecessary disputes.
Right to Disconnect in Australia
The right to disconnect passed Parliament earlier this year despite strong reservations from employers.
Senator Barbara Pocock said the bill is expected to benefit "millions of Australian workers" who need backup when they want to refuse 24/7 contact from their employer.
"The right is clear, practical, and reasonable. It will make a difference for workers who are not paid for being available and who donate many unpaid hours to their workplace," Pocock said in a statement.
More than three in four Australians have expressed support to the right to disconnect bill, according to a survey from the Australia Institute early this year.
It is one of the upcoming workplace reforms that will take effect on August 26, which will also see the implementation of reforms involving casual employment, provisions for "employee-like workers," collective agreements and workplace delegates rights for regulated workers, among others.
