Labor has played politics with workers by refusing to support Greens' amendments to expand flexible working arrangements and introduce the right to work from home for all Australians.
The Greens say Labor knocked down Australians' right to work from home because it was a Greens' idea.
The Australian Greens put forward amendments today to expand Australians' right to work from home, which followed an amendment yesterday calling for the Government to legislate a right to work from home for up to two days a week, where it is reasonable to do so - and Labor rejected both amendments.
The Greens' amendments would have expanded eligibility to all workers to request flexible working arrangements, including the right to work from home and called on the Government to legislate a right to work from home for up to two days a week, where it is reasonable to do so.
As stated by Australian Greens spokesperson for employment and workplace relations, Senator Barbara Pocock:
"Labor has voted down a reasonable right to work from home, because they say they are "not at the behest of the Greens." In doing so, they have chosen to play politics over protecting workers' rights.
"Labor knocked back the right to work from home - not because it's a bad law and not because it won't work - but because it was a Greens' idea. Labor shouldn't let their ego get in the way of workers getting rights.
"Two-thirds of voters support this right, as do 75% of Labor voters. Labor needs to act.
"The world of work has changed - technology has made remote and flexible work not only possible but in many workplaces, normal. The law should catch up with that reality and make sure every worker has the right to request arrangements that suit their lives.
"Labor is supposed to be the party of the worker and it holds the biggest majority in parliament since WWII. Labor has the power to make real progress for workers. Labor had the chance to vote with the Greens to protect flexible working arrangements, including the right to work from home, but instead voted against it.
"We know that flexible work arrangements, including the right to work from home, delivers enormous benefits. Flexible work arrangements help people balance jobs with study, with family and community life, and also boost workforce participation, especially for women and people with caring responsibilities. The evidence is clear that flexible working arrangements can reduce community time, improve well being and increase productivity.
