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A Private Member Bill is passed recognizing the Employees’ Right to Disconnect the calls, messages, and e-mails outside the working hours. An NCP MP SupriyaSule introduced this Bill titled “Right to Disconnect Bill, 2018” for the welfare of the stressed and over-working employees in various business entities.
The Bill proposes to confer right on every employee to disconnect the communication channels including calls, texts, emails related to work beyond the working hours. According to Bill, the employees have the right to refuse to respond to such communications.
Section 7 of the Bill states:
"Every employee shall have the right to disconnect out of work hours. Explanation.—For the purpose of this section:— (a) 'right to disconnect' means that while the employer may contact the worker after work hours, the employee is not obliged to reply or shall have the right to refuse to answer such calls; and (b) In case an employee refuses to reply to any call during out-of-work hours, such employee shall not be subject to any disciplinary action by the employer."
At present, France is the only nation which permits employees to exercise such a right as provided herein. The Regulating Authority to be established in accordance with this Bill would consist of Minister of State, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology as its Chairperson ex-officio and the Minister of State, Ministry of Communication and Ministry of Labour and Employment as the Vice-Chairmen ex-officio.
This Authority shall draft necessary guidelines containing the terms and conditions to be negotiated between the employer and employee of a company or society before the expiry of one year from the date of the constitution of this Authority. However, companies can make policy decisions for their employees, who work from home and often engage in travel.
The Bill also mulls for the constitution of Employees Welfare Committees in every company to aid in the employees with regard to the negotiation with the company. Whether such negotiations happen at regular intervals in accordance with the business demands is a question addressed by the provisions of the Bill. One percent of the employees’ total remuneration shall be imposed as sanctions on the companies which exhibits non-compliance with the provisions of this Bill.
This Bill proposes to increase awareness among the employees about the use of growing technology for professional and personal use. The very object of the Bill is to ensure that the employees could relieve their stress and tension that may have arisen due to the work-life imbalance. Therefore, the Bill perceives the employees’ Right to Disconnect the work-related communications as a gesture of respect shown to their personal space or as a mark of respect for their privacy.
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