California Assemblyman Matt Haney of San Francisco has introduced a groundbreaking bill that could give workers in the state the right to disconnect from work communications after hours. Assembly Bill 2751 aims to establish workplace policies that would allow employees to ignore employer communications during nonworking hours, with exceptions for emergencies or scheduling issues.
Under the proposed bill, nonworking hours would be determined through a written agreement between workers and employers. Employers found violating the rule could face a civil penalty of at least $100. If passed, California would become the first state in the U.S. to consider such a law, joining over a dozen countries that have already enacted similar legislation.
Studies have indicated that workers are healthier, happier, and more productive after the implementation of right-to-disconnect laws. Assemblyman Haney believes that this law could help California’s workforce stay competitive with states like Texas and New York in attracting skilled workers.
France was the first country to enact a right-to-disconnect law in 2017, with Kenya being the most recent country to do so. The bill is currently under consideration in the state legislature, with Haney’s office highlighting the potential benefits for California workers.
If passed, this legislation could have a far-reaching impact on the work-life balance of employees in the state, providing them with the opportunity to fully disconnect from work responsibilities outside of their designated hours. Stay tuned to The Bib Theorists for more updates on this groundbreaking bill.
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