Variation of modern awards to include a right to disconnect

Changes to the Fair Work Act 2009 will create a formal workplace right that allows employees to disconnect from work outside of their usual work hours.

These changes start on:

• 26 August 2024 for non-small business employers
• 26 August 2025 for small business employers.

The Fair Work Commission is required to insert a right to disconnect term into all modern awards by 26 August 2024. The Commission is also required to make written guidelines about how the right to disconnect will operate.

The Commission has started the process to create the right to disconnect term and guidelines (AM2024/14) and will hold a consultation hearing at 10:00 am on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, in person in Melbourne.

Interested parties who are based in Melbourne are to attend the consultation hearing in person. Interested parties who are based in other States and Territories may request to attend by video link using Microsoft Teams.

Please email awards@fwc.gov.au by 5:00 pm (AEST) on Wednesday, 5 June 2024 to advise whether you will attend the consultation hearing, and if yes, whether you will attend in person or wish to request to attend by video link using Microsoft Teams.

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