California, a trendsetter in employee rights, is at the forefront again with Assembly Bill (AB) 2751, proposing a “right to disconnect” law for workers. This legislation has the potential to significantly impact how California employees manage their off-the-clock hours.
Here at Matern Law Group, we help employees understand their rights and fight for fair treatment. Call us at 855-913-1134 or fill out our Contact Us form to learn more.
Here at Matern Law Group, we help employees understand their rights and fight for fair treatment. Let’s delve into the details of the right to disconnect bill.
Redefining work-life boundaries
The right to disconnect allows employees to set boundaries and reclaim their time after work hours. It ensures that once your workday ends, you can step away without feeling tethered to emails, calls or messages.
Many people deal with constant stress because they’re always expected to be available. AB 2751 aims to change that by setting a clear distinction between work and personal time. Employers need to honor these boundaries or face consequences for ignoring them. This law also protects you from retaliation if you choose to exercise your right to disconnect.
It’s not just about workers. Businesses stand to gain as well. Reduced stress often leads to happier, more productive employees. Ultimately, healthier boundaries create better workplaces for everyone.
AB 2751 represents a much-needed shift toward balance and well-being in our always-connected world.
What does a “right to disconnect” mean for you?
If passed, AB 2751 would mandate employers to establish a written policy guaranteeing California employees the right to disconnect from work communications during non-working hours. This includes emails, text, and phone calls. Exceptions would exist for emergencies or for scheduling changes within 24 hours.[1] Emergencies are defined as unforeseen situations that threaten an employee, customer, or the public; disrupts or shuts down operations; or causes physical or environmental damage.
Here’s what this translates to for California employees:
- Freedom to Switch Off: You would have the legal right to ignore work communications outside of your designated work hours. This would empower you to set boundaries and prioritize personal time for improved well-being and reduced stress.
- Protection from Retaliation: Employers wouldn’t be allowed to penalize you for disconnecting during non-working hours. This includes repercussions for missed calls or emails or negative performance reviews due to after-hours unavailability.
- Clearer Work-Life Separation: The right to disconnect establishes a clearer division between work life and personal life. This can lead to a healthier work environment and potentially increased productivity during designated work hours.
Enforcement and impact remain important concerns when it comes to the California right-to-disconnect bill. What would happen if an employer violated the provisions? Would employees have grounds for legal recourse or would penalties for non-compliance primarily target the organization?
Establishing clear guidelines and enforcing them will be crucial to transforming the California right to disconnect law into a meaningful victory for employees rather than a symbolic gesture. This legislation could set a standard for other states to adopt similar measures.
Is the bill likely to pass?
The right to disconnect bill, authored by Assemblymember Matt Haney,[2] is currently in the committee stage as of April 22, 2024. While its fate remains uncertain, the bill has garnered significant attention. California’s already strong employee protections and the growing national conversation about work-life balance suggest a good chance of passage. Similar laws exist in various European countries, such as France’s “right to disconnect” legislation that took effect in 2017, offering a potential model for California.[3]
When could it take effect?
The California legislative session ends on August 31, 2024.[4] Even if passed before then, the bill would likely undergo further revisions and require implementation time. A realistic timeframe for the law to take effect could be sometime in 2025.
Lawmakers want to create a final bill that feels fair and works well for everyone. Advocates see the delay as an opportunity to get it right since the benefits could be life-changing for workers across California. This extra time allows businesses to adapt and prepare while helping people understand how the law will work.
A smooth rollout would show that meaningful change is possible without hurting the economy or disrupting workplaces. Many people see this as a turning point that could reshape how we balance work and life for the better.
What should you do now?
While the bill is still in progress, you can familiarize yourself with its potential implications. Keep yourself updated on the progress of AB 2751 by visiting the California Legislature’s website (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB2751).
The California right to disconnect gives many workers hope since it could finally give them more control over their time. For employers, it’s a chance to get ahead by looking at current policies and finding ways to support these changes. Staying informed now can make the transition easier for everyone when the law takes effect.
If you’re concerned about work-life balance or feel pressured to be available outside of working hours, initiate a conversation with your employer. Finally, regardless of the status of this bill, understanding your existing rights under California labor laws is necessary. If you believe your employer is infringing upon your time off, talk to an experienced employment attorney here at Matern Law Group.
California’s “right to disconnect” bill holds immense potential for a healthier work-life balance for employees. Matern Law Group is closely following the development of this bill, and we are always ready to advocate for your rights.
With over 300 years of combined experience, you can be confident you’re receiving the best representation possible in various areas of employment law, including:
If you have any questions or concerns, contact us today for a free consultation. You may also reach us at 855-913-1134.
- [1] https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/11/california-proposed-right-to-disconnect-law-would-fine-companies-for-after-hours-communication.html
- [2] https://a17.asmdc.org/press-releases/20240401-california-introduces-bill-give-workers-right-disconnect-non-emergency
- [3] https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/02/01/right-to-disconnect-laws/
- [4] https://www.assembly.ca.gov/schedules-publications/legislative-deadlines#month8
