A bill has been introduced by a California lawmaker to give employees the right to ignore after-hours calls from their employers. This legislation aims to tackle the blurred lines between work and personal time that have emerged due to the pandemic. Assembly Bill 2751 would provide exceptions for emergencies or scheduling changes, allowing workers to disconnect from communications from their bosses outside of regular work hours.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many workers to shift to remote or hybrid schedules, making it difficult to set clear boundaries between work and personal time. Lawmakers are recognizing the need to protect employees from feeling obligated to respond to work-related communication after hours. Assemblymember Matt Haney, who introduced the bill, emphasizes the importance of ensuring that employees have the freedom to disconnect when they are not on the clock.
If passed, this bill would apply to both public and private employers in California. It is currently being reviewed by the Assembly’s Committee on Labor and Employment, where it has undergone amendments. If it advances through the necessary committees and receives a majority vote on the State Assembly floor, it will move on to the State Senate for further consideration. This legislation could potentially provide much-needed protection for employees who are struggling to balance their work and personal lives in the modern digital age.
