San Francisco, California could become the first state in the US to enact a “right to disconnect” law, giving workers the freedom to unplug from work-related communications during non-working hours. The proposed Assembly Bill 2751, introduced by Assemblyman Matt Haney, aims to ensure that employees have uninterrupted personal and family time by allowing them to disengage from emails, texts, and calls outside of their designated work hours.
Haney emphasized the need for this legislation, pointing out the impact of smartphones blurring the boundaries between work and home life. He noted that employees should not be expected to be available 24/7 if they are not being compensated for round-the-clock work. The bill would mandate public and private employers to establish a right-to-disconnect policy, granting workers the right to ignore work-related communication when they are off-duty.
The proposed law includes exceptions for emergencies or scheduling discussions during non-working hours and excludes unionized workers with existing bargaining agreements. Industries with irregular hours or on-call requirements can still contact employees off-the-clock, as long as it is stipulated in contracts or compensated for standby time.
Haney highlighted the flexibility of the bill to accommodate various business sectors in California while addressing the changing landscape of work due to technological advancements. He stressed that the legislation would make California businesses more competitive in attracting skilled workers and enhancing the state’s tech sector.
The concept of a right-to-disconnect has gained traction globally, with 13 countries, including France, Australia, and Spain, implementing similar laws. Research cited by Haney’s office suggests that such laws lead to healthier, happier, and more productive workers.
Recognizing California’s highly skilled workforce and the competitive job market, Haney sees the right-to-disconnect as a crucial benefit for the state. The bill is currently under review by the Assembly Labor Committee, with hearings scheduled in the near future.