In light of the Victorian Government proposing to enact the right to work from home for at least two days a week, the Visual Media Association (VMA) is voicing concerns about governments imposing more regulations on employee/employer relations.
Under Premier Jacinta Allan’s proposal, legislation would be introduced to allow both public and private sector workers who can reasonably do their job at home to be able to do so.
The Victorian Premier said the permanent flexible working arrangements are estimated to save employees an average of $110 per week, an average of three hours commuting, and support women with children, carers, and people with disabilities.
“Work-from-home and other workplace arrangements have worked well through mutual agreement tailored to the position, task, team-building projects and more,” Kellie Northwood, chief executive officer of the VMA, told Print21.
“Governments imposing mandates across these relationships create unnecessary legislation and interference which, as an employer association, we challenge.
“Flexibility in the workplace thrives when it’s designed by those who know the business best – and that is the employers and employees themselves. One-size-fits-all rules from government risk eroding the very trust and collaboration that make flexible arrangements work.”
Northwood added, “There is concern about the potential confusion around the role of the State, whereby we work within the federal remit under the Fair Work Commission and related legislative scheme.”
The VMA argues that should the Premier of Victoria move this within anti-discrimination or equal opportunities legislation, which are State governed, this would create possible legal challenges and therefore more puzzlement, for businesses across Victoria.
“Only yesterday the Prime Minister and Treasurer confirmed their support of work-from-home policies, therefore why a State Premier would take this position is perplexing,” Northwood continued.
Should Premier Allen's proposal be implemented, the VMA said it will prepare appropriate communications to its members to ensure they are well prepared for the changes.
“However, our discussions continue with industry and lobbying groups to seek a rethink from Premier Allan, and to that end, as one of the largest manufacturing employers in the state, call on the Victorian Government to support workplace flexibility through guidance and resources, not prescriptive legislation,” Northwood added.
“Businesses, and employees, need the freedom to innovate, adapt, and negotiate arrangements that work for both their people and their operations.”
The Victorian Government said it will undertake further consultation to consider the types and sizes of businesses that will be covered by the scheme, with plans to introduce the law sometime next year.