Landmark Win: Australian Bank Employee Secures Permanent Remote Work

An Australian labour tribunal granted an employee, Karlene Chandler, the right to work from home permanently, overruling Westpac's demand for her to work office days. The case highlights a pivotal moment as the financial sector navigates hybrid models amid slow return-to-office trends in retail banking.

An Australian retail bank employee has been granted the permanent right to work from home by the country's labour tribunal, highlighting a pivotal labor case in the financial sector.

Karlene Chandler challenged her employer, Westpac, who insisted she work from a corporate office twice weekly. The Fair Work Commission ruled in Chandler's favor, stating that Westpac had previously allowed remote work but reversed its decision earlier this year.

As retail banks gradually transition back to in-office work, Chandler's case showcases the ongoing debate over hybrid working models. Staff in investment banks have resumed office work more fully compared to their retail counterparts. Chandler argued that her lengthy commute justified the need for remote work, a point the commission supported, rejecting Westpac's stance.

(With inputs from agencies.)