Why a proposed California law that would give you the right to ignore your boss’ after-hours communications hours is flawed
Everyone appreciates a break from work. Assemblymember Matt Haney recently introduced AB 2751, which would give all employees, except those covered by a valid collective bargaining agreement, the right to ignore communications from their employer during nonworking hours. This is what the bill says and three reasons I believe this well-intentioned bill is deeply flawed.
AB 2751 would require employers to establish a “right to disconnect” policy recognizing their employees’ right “to ignore communications from the employer during nonworking hours,” except as specified. An employer would have to enter a written agreement with each employee setting nonworking hours.
An employer could “contact an employee during nonworking hours for an emergency or for scheduling.” “Emergency” is defined as “an unforeseen situation that threatens an employee, customer, or the public; disrupts or shuts down operations; or causes physical or environmental damage.”
An employee could file a complaint with the labor commissioner “for a pattern of violation” of the measure, for which an employer would be fined at least $100.
Click here to read the full article written by SCMV Shareholder Dan Eaton and published in The San Diego Union-Tribune.