The bill should be supported because it promotes work-life balance by ensuring employees have the right to disconnect from work communications outside their contracted hours. This aligns with egalitarian principles by providing all employees with equal protection against potential overreach by employers. Furthermore, by setting clear boundaries for communication, the bill helps to create a fairer work environment where employees are not discriminated against based on their availability outside work hours. It also supports democratic ideals by empowering workers to have control over their personal time, thus fostering a healthier and more engaged workforce [Judgment].
The bill should be opposed because it may impose undue restrictions on businesses, potentially affecting their operational flexibility. Employers may argue that the ability to contact employees outside of standard hours is sometimes necessary to maintain competitiveness and efficiency, particularly in industries where urgent issues may arise. From a propertarian perspective, it could be seen as an unnecessary interference with business operations and the rights of employers to manage their workforce. Additionally, in utilitarian terms, the potential economic impact on businesses could outweigh the benefits to employees, as it might hinder timely decision-making processes and responses to critical situations [Judgment].
2023-03-27
Before Senate
POCOCK, Sen Barbara
Unspecified
Labour, Social Support / Welfare, Discrimination / Human Rights