Outrage over plans to scrap WFH and drag workers back to the office in Melbourne

A leading candidate for Melbourne mayor has sparked anger by calling for an end to the work-from-home order that has forced workers back into the city and revitalised the struggling business district.

Former AFL star Anthony Koutoufides, 51, announced last week that he is running to become Melbourne’s next mayor, with a bid to bring back city workers to boost business and trade.

Mr Koutoufides, who is running as an independent candidate, said his “first priority” would be to work with the state government to bring civil servants back to the city. news.com.au reported.

“We will work with the state government to introduce new laws that require government and corporate employees to work in the office at least four days a week to make the city more vibrant,” he said.

While the policy is said to be popular with businesses in the city, it has been met with resistance from employees who prefer to do their work from home.

Luke Hilakari, secretary of the Victorian Trades Hall Council, said a mayor had “no right or ability” to dictate or intervene in working arrangements.

According to Mr Hilakari, since the start of the Covid lockdowns, employees have found other ways of working that are more beneficial to their families, as well as increasing their productivity and reducing stress.

“Workers decide how we spend our money. Ideas to force people back into the CBD to subsidize failed city businesses will only come at the expense of local small businesses in the suburbs,” he said.

Pollster Kos Samaras reported on social media platform X that 47 percent of Australians would work from home at least one day a week by 2023.

According to Mr Samaras, more than 45,000 Melbourne residents work from home for at least part of the week. By not having to travel, they save “two hours a week” and hundreds of dollars a month in travel, petrol and parking. That’s “a big deal during a cost of living crisis”.

Workers in Victoria took to social media to voice their disapproval of the proposal, with many saying it was a waste of time and money to walk back and forth to the office.

“If they are so insistent that their employees not work from home, maybe they can pay for their travel expenses and travel time every business day of the year,” one wrote.

Another added: ‘This disproportionately impacts caring workers – so women in particular. Flexible working is a feminist issue,’ agreed another.

But not everyone was against bringing workers back to the CBD.

“WFH (full-time) in the long term doesn’t work well with young employees who need guidance to develop,” one wrote.

“It also doesn’t promote the benefits you get from spending a few hours away from your laptop, reading emails and having face-to-face conversations,” said another.

Victorians took to social media to oppose the proposed ban, saying the flexibility has helped women in particular stay in the workforce (Pictured: Melbourne commuters on a cold morning)

Other Victorians said they should think of all the shop and restaurant workers who were losing their jobs because of the lack of work in the city.

Mr Koutoufides’ proposal did not appear to be an option as the Victorian Government had already indicated it would not change the work-from-home arrangements.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Jacinta Allan’s office said the flexibility that working from home offers “helps more women stay in work”, which it said is “better for everyone”.

After the New South Wales Premier ordered government workers to be brought back to the city, the Victorian Premier’s office said civil servants from New South Wales should consider moving to Victoria.

The Prime Minister also told Triple M radio on Tuesday that the number of people in the city was back to pre-pandemic levels and that the city was “reviving”.