Scrap work from home laws: Employers’ issue desperate plea to Victorian government
Business groups in Victoria, Australia, are lobbying the government to scrap new laws that protect the right of employees to work from home for two days a week. Employers argue the policy is unnecessary and may lead to increased offshore hiring or reliance on contractors.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between labor rights and business flexibility in the post-pandemic workplace.
shares Share article Several business groups are urging Victorian Premier Ben Carroll to overturn controversial work from home laws they claim will take the state “backwards”.
The state government flagged its intention to legally protect the rights of Victorians to work at least two days a week if they were able to.
The controversial laws were introduced by former premier, Jacinta Allan. Nine
This would apply to full-time, part-time, and casual workers.
The laws are set to take effect next month, but employers and businesses have released a joint statement calling on the government to reconsider laws they claim focus on a problem that doesn’t exist.
“Victoria has the highest unemployment rate in the nation and at a time when households and businesses are under pressure, Victoria cannot afford policies that take the state further backwards,” the statement endorsed by 12 business and employment groups said.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in