Telecommuting

[Margaret Gerard <margaret -at- TOSHIBA -dot- TIC -dot- OZ -dot- AU>]

Telecommuting has recently been discussed on this list.
Coincidentally, the following article appeared in the Sydney
Morning Herald of 15 Feb 94.

NEW AWARD FOR WORK FROM HOME

The world's first "telecommuting" award covering employees
who work from home was approved by the Australian Industrial
Relations Commission yesterday.

The award covers Commonwealth public servants only.

The award, a symbol of the growing popularity of
telecommuting (working from home on a computer), was sought
by the Public Sector Union, despite the fact that unions in
general have opposed home-based work.

Commissioner Smith said he approved the Australian Public
Service Home Based Work Interim Award because it encouraged
flexibility in working patterns and working life,
particularly for workers with family responsibilities.

"Whilst this is not an alternative to child care, there
would appear to be little doubt that it will assist those in
our community who wish to achieve greater flexibility between
home and work," he said.

About 300 public servants telecommute at present.

As well as income guarantees, the award ensures that people
working from home are covered by workers' compensation and
enjoy proper occupational health and safety standards - at
the employer's expense.

END OF ARTICLE

A much longer article appeared in the Daily Telegraph of the
same day.  If you would like to see the articles, send
your fax number.

Margaret Gerard   email:margaret -at- toshiba -dot- tic -dot- oz -dot- au
8.25am 17 Feb 94  fax:61 2 4187791  phone:61 2 4282077
Toshiba Iternational Corporation
Sydney
Australia