The Australian Greens party is planning to implement a four-day work week policy ahead of the upcoming election.
The party said it believed that wages had not kept up with productivity gains. The policy the party unveiled included costing which would create a national test case through the Fair Work Commission. It would also establish a National Institute for the Four-Day Work Week.
The National Institute would cost around A$10 million.
“The Greens will support a four-day work week test case through the Fair Work Commission aiming to reduce working hours with no loss of pay,” Greens Senator Barabara Pocock said.
“Our society is changing. More women and carers are at work, yet we are constrained by archaic labour laws that see the fruits of our efforts swallowed up in profits for bosses and shareholders.
“This is about justice for working people. We work to live, not live to work.”
Pocock Australians have been long calling for a four-day workweek and that it would help workers avoid burnout, while still offering people a full wage.
“Productivity gains over the past two decades have fed into higher profits while real wages have stagnated,” she said.
“A shorter working week alleviates the burden of stress and burnout. International trials have repeatedly shown productivity increases and a healthier, happier workforce result from shorter working hours.”
In 2023, a Senate committee, chaired by Senator Pocock, backed a four-day workweek trial in some locations and sectors.
In support of their argument, the Greens cite the U.K., Germany, Spain and Canada as successful examples.
“In the UK 92% of employers participating have reported they will continue the four-day week after the trial ends,” Pocock said.
“It’s time for Australia to move its workplaces into the 21st century and create a pathway for shorter hours.”
Azzet has contacted representatives from the Greens party and the Fair Work Commission for further comment.
Related content
