The ACTU is also pursuing a claim as part of the four-yearly review of modern awards that would give employees with parenting or other caring responsibilities an absolute right to part-time employment or reduced hours of work. The ACTU’s claim would allow an employee to dictate to their employer their days of work and their starting and finishing time each day.

Ai Group is strongly opposing the ACTU’s claims and is arguing that the current “right to request” arrangements in the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) strikes the right balance between the interests of employers and employees.

Ai Group has filed submissions and evidence in response to the ACTU’s claim and appeared at a hearing before the Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission in December 2017. A decision in this matter is still pending however Ai Group will update members once the case has been determined.