Calling Time on 24/7 Work Connectivity

[Celerity]

The rapid development of new technologies is increasing pressure and forcing unlimited working time and growing stress among many workers across Europe.

https://www.socialeurope.eu/calling-time-on-24-7-work-connectivity



What do working people do when they get home, or turn away from the computer after a full day’s work? Do they tend to their families or take time for leisure activities? Or are they back online to put in extra hours or anxiously scanning their smartphones for an urgent message and a new task from their employer? Unfortunately, we know the answer to these question, most of us reconnect.

The rapid development of new technologies that permit 24-hour connectivity is increasing pressure and forcing unlimited working time and growing stress among many workers across Europe. That is why the implementation of an EU-wide legislation to guarantee the ‘right to disconnect’ is so urgent.

In June 2022, the European Trade Union Confederation and employers signed a joint Work Programme that included a commitment to reach a legally binding agreement to regulate telework and establish the right to disconnect, to be implemented in the form of a directive. Negotiations continued for 15 months, and the social partners were close to agreement, but in the end the employers’ side blocked the deal in the absence of unanimity on their part.

Now the onus is on the European Commission to put forward a directive. Before last year’s European elections, the old Commission launched the first phase of a social partner consultation and presented its proposals in April 2024. The ETUC welcomed this initiative and responded promptly to the questions it posed. After taking office, the new Commission was due to report on the second phase, and the Commission’s Executive Vice-President for Social Rights, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Minzatu, pledged to make this a priority. Trade unions expected to see a new proposal after Christmas – but nothing has appeared, and we are still waiting.

snip

[2naSalit]

1. Already...

Slaves/serfs to the screenlords.