Tue. Dec 24th, 2024
alert-–-australia’s-biggest-tech-company-atlassian-makes-controversial-australia-day-moveAlert – Australia’s biggest tech company Atlassian makes controversial Australia Day move

‘s largest tech company has joined other multi-billion dollar businesses in allowing staff to choose when to take the Day public holiday. 

Sydney-based software company Atlassian will let staff work on January 26 and allow them to take the day off on an alternative date.

The $95billion company joins two of the big four banks, ANZ and the Commonwealth Bank, and scores of other businesses making the change this year.

They are the most recent companies to make operational changes for the national holiday after Woolworths announced it won’t be selling Day merchandise.

January 26 is treated as a day of mourning instead of a day of celebration by many First Nations people as it marks the day that started colonial .

's largest tech company Atlassian (pictured, co-founder Scott Farquhar) will allow staff to choose another day in January to celebrate  Day

‘s largest tech company Atlassian (pictured, co-founder Scott Farquhar) will allow staff to choose another day in January to celebrate Day

Atlassian’s policy allows for staff to work on January 26 and in turn take the holiday on another day throughout the month.

While the tech company specifically states Day as the holiday staff can swap, other companies let workers swap any legislated holiday.

Among those are professional services provider Deloitte, accounting firm EY , Telstra, ANZ, Commonwealth Bank and NAB.

Another multinational professional service provider, KPMG, only allows for staff to change what day they celebrate holidays for religious, cultural or heritage beliefs and not for personal beliefs.

While the option is there, a Deloitte spokesperson said those taking the chance to change what day they celebrate Day are in the minority.

‘Based on experience, we expect the vast majority of our people will take advantage of the Day public holiday,’ A Deloitte spokesman told The n.

‘If staff have to work on Day due to client commitments they are entitled to take an additional day off in lieu of their choosing.’

The tech company is the latest in a raft of businesses to make policy changes related to January 26 (pictured,  Day revellers)

The tech company is the latest in a raft of businesses to make policy changes related to January 26 (pictured, Day revellers)

The revelations come after Woolworths sparked outrage for not stocking shelves with Day merchandise.

A spokesperson said their focus was on offering food and produce for all occasions, including Day.

‘Customers across all our stores can also expect to see a large range of great value food offers and specials to enjoy with family and friends next week in the lead up to and for the Day long weekend,’ a spokesperson said.

Woolworths earlier said there had been a gradual decline in demand for Day merchandise in recent years.

‘At the same time there’s been broader discussion about 26 January and what it means to different parts of the community,’ their statement read.

‘We know many people like to use this day as a time to get together and we offer a huge variety of products to help customers mark the day as they choose.

‘Woolworths and BIG W celebrate the best of every day, and we’re proud to support the farmers, producers, and suppliers who work with us.’

READ MORE: Coles is still selling Day merchandise – if you can find it, that is

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