A new act on Privacy and Digital Rights entered into effect on 7 December 2018. This new law ensures that employees have the right to “digitally” switch off from work, meaning they can disconnect to fully enjoy their designated rest time. The law applies to all employees, including employees who work from home or at an offsite location.
Employers are required to draft an internal policy for all employees with consultation from employee representatives who must be given a hearing. The internal policy must also be compliant with the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The policy should include details regarding how the right to disconnect will be exercised. At this time, no specific fines are established by the new law. However, it should be considered that noncompliance could trigger other issues such as overtime claims, damages for breach of fundamental rights, etc.
