Australia gives workers the right to ignore after-hours work messages

Australia has implemented a new "right to disconnect" law, allowing employees to ignore work calls and messages after hours without fear of repercussions. The law aims to protect workers from the expectation of being always available, which has led to an average of 281 hours of unpaid overtime per year for Australians, according to a recent survey.

The law does not prevent employers from contacting staff outside of working hours, but it gives workers the right not to respond unless refusing would be considered unreasonable. If disputes arise, employers and employees are encouraged to resolve them internally. If they cannot, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) can intervene, potentially ordering employers to stop contacting employees after hours or requiring workers to reply if their refusal is deemed unreasonable. Non-compliance with FWC orders could result in fines of up to A$19,000 for employees and A$94,000 for companies.

Worker advocacy groups have praised the new law, saying it will empower employees to maintain a healthier work-life balance. Workplace experts also suggest that the law could benefit employers by reducing staff burnout and turnover.

Reactions from workers are mixed. Some, like advertising worker Rachel Abdelnour, see it as a positive step toward reducing stress from constant connectivity. Others, like financial industry employee David Brennan, are skeptical it will change the high-pressure culture in their fields, where being available around the clock is often expected.

Australia joins over 20 other countries, mostly in Europe and Latin America, in adopting such a rule to support employees' rights to disconnect.

[With information from BBC]