Unions in South Australia are taking a powerful stand on the 150th anniversary of the historic 8-hour workday by unveiling a bold report featuring eight critical recommendations aimed at safeguarding the 8-hour workday for the next 150 years.
8 Hours of Work We Can Rely and Thrive On
1 - Level the Playing Field for Gig Platforms: "Employee-like" work should come with minimum conditions, and workers on these platforms should receive fair compensation.
2 - Pathways to Permanent Employment: Casual and insecure employees must have improved opportunities for transitioning to permanent positions.
3 - Ethical Public Expenditure: The state government, SA's largest employer, should set a high standard for wages and conditions, ensuring workers' take-home pay increases in real terms. Taxpayer-funded ventures, grants, procurement, and projects must prioritise secure jobs and ethical practices.
4 - AI, High-Tech, and Green Industry Transition: These advancements should benefit working people by enhancing their quality of life, not just increasing employers' profit margins.
8 Hours of Work We Can Clock-Off From
5 -Enforced Working Time Limits: Workers should have the right to switch off, with consequences for employers who breach these limits.
6 - End Unpaid Overtime: Employees must be empowered to refuse after-hours work contact, with protection from retaliation. Employers should record all after-hours contact for transparency and wage theft prevention.
8 Hours of Work We Come Home Safe From
7 - Empower Workers for Safety: Workers should proactively address safety risks to prevent injuries and fatalities.
8 - Address Psychosocial Hazards: Employers should prioritse addressing psychosocial hazards as they do physical hazards.