The Australian Services Union (ASU) plans to propose a new clause to the Fair Work Commission that grants clerical and administrative staff a presumed right to work from home upon reasonable request. Employers must provide a 26-week notice if they oppose the work-from-home arrangement. This proposal is aimed at recognizing the challenges many employees, especially women, face in managing family and caring responsibilities. A review by the Fair Work Commission is underfoot regarding the inclusion of administrative workers in an award supporting work-from-home rights, affecting about 1.8 million Australians.
"For many people, particularly women, working from home is deeply integrated into how they manage their family and caring responsibilities," said ASU Assistant National Secretary Emeline Gaske. "Suddenly removing that arrangement isn't a simple change - it pulls a thread that can unravel a family's entire routine. It means finding new after-school care where there are often long waiting lists, rearranging transport, or finding alternative support for an elderly parent."
The proposed new clause would give clerical and administrative staff the presumed right to work from home if it is reasonably requested. If an employer and employee cannot reach an agreement, the employer must give a 26-week notice before requiring a return to the office.
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