Photo by Maxim Ilyahov on Unsplash
Has it gotten down to this? Are laws required to eliminate a negative consequence for not answering an employer’s calls when not at work? The bill is called The Right to Disconnect, AB 2751, and it is a real bill being proposed by Assemblymember Matt Haney of San Francisco.
Similar laws designed to avoid employee burnout and enhance quality of life are already in place in 13 countries, including Spain, Italy, Australia, Belgium, and Mexico. If AB 2751 becomes law, California would be the first in the nation to pass such a law.
If passed, the “right to disconnect law” will allow employees to ignore employer communications during their off-hours. A written agreement would define those off-hours. Accordingly, if a violation occurs, the employees could file a complaint with the California Labor Commissioner. The employer would pay a fine if found guilty.
