Unions warn working from home not a panacea for flexibility

The Australian Council of Trade Unions is urging a major review of industrial rights not to focus solely on working from home as a way to boost flexibility, as views within the movement differ on the next front for workplace reform.

The review of modern awards was instigated by Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke in September, with consultation occurring until April. The commission in January released a discussion paper with flexibility options that also included a four-day working week and advanced notice around rostering as ways to balance work and caring responsibilities.

“Such costs can include the shift of expenses, such as for electricity, telephone, and office equipment from employers to employees, while working from home may also render employees’ care responsibilities invisible to employers, which will further disadvantage worker-carers, especially women,” the paper says.

Health Services Union national president Gerard Hayes said working-from-home arrangements did not work for many critical occupations, and mental health factors from continued isolation needed to be considered.Loading

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