Senate debates

Tuesday, 9 May 2023

Statements by Senators

Workplace Relations

1:59 pm

Photo of Linda WhiteLinda White (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

The concept of the four-day week has been gaining significant traction globally due to the measurable effects on productivity and quality of life. Recently, Australian Services Union members at Oxfam voted up an enterprise agreement that adopts a four-day working week trial. The six-month pilot will allow Oxfam's 90 permanent full-time employees to opt for 30 hours a week over four days without any loss of pay. The agreement is the first of its kind in Australia, the first to be formalised within an enterprise bargaining agreement and the first to be approved by the Fair Work Commission. It's a landmark achievement, and I congratulate Imogen Sturni and the team at the Victoria private sector branch of the ASU for negotiating this agreement.

The four-day week seeks more than just increases in productivity— (Time expired)