What’s at stake: NZ unions want a right to disconnect law similar to the one introduced in Australia in 2024, which is under legal challenge for the first time before the Fair Work Commission.
Background: Some argue there are already employment protections in place in New Zealand but lawyers say there remains questions over whether they are being enforced rigorously and whether some sectors expect a heavy workload and out-of-hours contract as part of a salaried agreement.
Key players: Australian government, Fair Work Commission, Pacific National, Council of Trade Unions, Gerard Elwell.
Australia’s right to disconnect legislation is being challenged before the Fair Work Commission for the first time by a train driver trying to stop his employer from calling him out of hours.
The move comes as the Council of Trade Unions (CTU) continues pushing for similar legislation here,
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Key points
What’s at stake: NZ unions want a right to disconnect law similar to the one introduced in Australia in 2024, which is under legal challenge for the first time before the Fair Work Commission.
Background: Some argue there are already employment protections in place in New Zealand but lawyers say there remains questions over whether they are being enforced rigorously and whether some sectors expect a heavy workload and out-of-hours contract as part of a salaried agreement.
Key players: Australian government, Fair Work Commission, Pacific National, Council of Trade Unions, Gerard Elwell.
