Q+A: Nov 18

Q+A is Live from Melbourne this week with David Speers discussing “The Great Resignation.”

The show asks, ‘Are Australian workers preparing to leave traditional jobs behind as they embrace a post-pandemic work life?’

Traditional 9 to 5 office jobs have been cast aside by the work-from-home revolution created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Around the world millions of workers have swapped the office for their living rooms, and now that life is returning to normal, many employees are re-evaluating their priorities.

In the United States a record-breaking 4.4 million Americans, or 3% of the entire workforce, quit their jobs in August. While many people here too are embracing a more flexible working life, others predict we won’t see the same kind of ‘worker revolt’ that’s happening in America. So, what lies ahead for Australia’s labour market? Do employees have a new level of bargaining power? Or do the changes only serve to highlight a growing economic divide between those who can work from home and those who can’t?

Meanwhile, sectors such as tourism and hospitality are reporting severe staff shortages after Australia’s extended international border closure. And the unemployment rate is rising, jumping to a six-month high of 5.2% in October as thousands more people seek work as lockdowns ease.

Joining David Speers live from Melbourne:

Andy Penn, Telstra CEO and Managing Director (Melb)
George Megalogenis, Author and journalist (Melb)
Jane Halton, Health expert and former head of Australia’s Finance Department (Syd)
Emma Fulu, Executive Director of the Equality Institute (Melb)
Eliza Hull, Musician, disability advocate and writer (Melb)

8:30pm Thursday 18th November on ABC.