Telework: EU Commission announces social partner consultation

EU Commission announces a first consultation of the social partners on a possible new law on telework and the right to disconnect.

Why it matters: During a consultation by the Commission the social partners can decide to negotiate among themselves to see if they can find an agreement and ask the Commission to hold off on the legislative process. However, as autonomous, non-legislative negotiations between the unions and employers ended inconclusively in 2023 it is unlikely that they will opt for negotiations in preference to legislation. But never say never.

The big picture: As this is an election year in Europe it is likely to be well into 2025 before an agreement on the proposed new law is reached. This means it would become national law in 2027 at the earliest.

The bottom line: The Commission says that while telework brings benefits for employees it also raises questions “on how to ensure workers' rights are respected in a more digitalised work environment.” This includes: “…ensuring adequate working conditions and health and safety at work. Notably, the use of digital tools for work and the possibility to work remotely can carry the risk of an ‘always-on' work culture. This has led to calls by different stakeholders for a ‘right to disconnect', to draw clear boundaries between one's professional and private life.”  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The consultation document  Press pack: here.