‘Groundbreaking’ unlimited WFH deal

The Community and Public Sector Union revealed on Tuesday that it had reached an agreement with the Australian Public Service Commission over flexible working arrangements.

Under the deal, all public service employees will have the right to request flexible working arrangements, including working from home, which will no longer be capped under the deal.

Employees will now be able to work as many days per week at home as they wish, with WFH requests only to be refused after “genuinely trying to reach agreement” with the staff member.

CPSU national secretary Melissa Donnelly said the “traditional approach” to APS work had hindered its attraction and retention and praised the government employer for agreeing to the deal.

“These improved and enforceable work rights will open doors for individuals who were previously unable to consider APS employment or had to leave because of a change in circumstances,” she said.

“Flexibility in how, when, and where public sector work is done will see the APS become increasingly diverse, adaptable and accessible.”

“This is good news for public servants, public services, public policy and the public.“

The deal will also require employers to consider connection to country in granting flexible work arrangements, with strengthened protections against terminations “without genuine negotiation”.

At 120,000 members, the CPSU is one of Australia’s largest unions.

The deal will impact staff across the country, including in federal, ACT and NT APS roles.

Telecommunications, call centres, employment services, commercial broadcasting, aviation, and science and research employees will also come under the deal, according to the CPSU.

The deal comes amid increased scrutiny on work-from-home arrangements across the country, more than two years after flexible working arrangements became prominent during Covid.

Internal messages at Commonwealth Bank were leaked this week following plans to force 49,000 employees to return to the office for at least 50 per cent of the week, with some reportedly threatening to quit.

On Tuesday, former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett added his voice to calls to reduce flexible working arrangements, stating that those who work from home should have their salaries cut.

Originally published as Public service staff secure unlimited work-from-home days