Employers can now face fines up to Rs 53 Lakh for after-hours calls and messages to staff
Employees can ignore work messages outside their regular hours unless their refusal is deemed unreasonable, say guidelines
PTC Web Desk: Australia has introduced a new rule allowing employees to ignore work-related communications outside of their official working hours without facing any penalties. This law permits employers to reach out after hours but protects employees who choose not to respond.
According to a 2023 survey, Australians averaged 281 hours of unpaid overtime annually. Several countries in Europe and Latin America already have similar regulations.
The guidelines state that employees can ignore work messages outside their regular hours unless their refusal is deemed unreasonable. Employees and employers are encouraged to resolve any disputes themselves, but if they cannot, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) in Australia may intervene. The commission has the authority to instruct employers to cease after-hours contact with employees, and failure to comply could result in substantial fines. Individuals may face fines exceeding Rs 10 lakh (A$19,000), while companies could be fined over Rs 53 lakh (A$94,000).
Worker advocacy groups have praised the new measures. The Australian Council of Trade Unions highlighted that these regulations will help workers avoid after-hours work calls, promoting a healthier work-life balance.