Commission launches first-stage consultation of social partners on fair telework and the right to disconnect
The EU Labor Force Survey shows that the overall proportion of people working fron home in the EU has more than doubled in the last few years, from 11.1% in 2019 to 20% in 2022. Telework brings many opportunities to the world of work, but also some challenges, While it can allow for flexible work arrangements, 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. This has led to calls by different stakeholders for a ‘right to disconnect’, to draw clear boundaries between one’s professional and private life.
The Commission has launched the first-stage consultation of European social partners to gather their views on the possible direction of EU action on ensuring fair telework and the right to disconnect. This consultation follows the European Parliament’s 2021 resolution calling for a proposal to address these issues. In line with President von der Leyen’s Political Guidelines as regards resolutions adopted by the European Parliament under Article 225 of TFEU, the Commission is committed to respond with a legislative proposal in full respect of proportionality, subsidiarity and better law-making principles.