Australian Workers Get 'Right to Disconnect' Law
Australia has become the latest country to let its workers "disconnect" outside of working hours.
A new law came into force on August 26 for people working in companies with more than 15 employees.
Some in Australia have said that working life in the 21st century is like being tied to a "digital leash."
In the same way that a dog is tied to a leash, workers are tied to their jobs 24 hours a day because of the emails and messages they can receive on their phones at any time.
But that leash has now been cut for many employees in the country.
Michele O'Neil, from the Australian Council of Trade Unions, said it was good news for workers.
She said it would mean "more money in your pocket, more time with your loved ones and more freedom to live your life."
Bosses can still contact their employees outside of normal working hours, but those employees now have the right to refuse the contact — in most situations.
That means they don't have to reply to emails or messages, or answer calls from their superiors or clients.
The law does not give a lot of detail about when it's okay for a boss to expect their employee to answer the phone, but it's hoped that businesses will respect the law and the rights of their workers.
Many people in Australia have said they're working many more hours than they're paid for — something that has been happening all around the world.
A number of other countries already have laws — or other rules — that let people disconnect outside their working hours.
And people working for businesses with fewer than 15 employees in Australia will get the right to disconnect from August 2025.
