Today the Commission launched the first phase of a consultation of the European social partners to gather opinions on possible direction for EU action to ensure fair teleworking and the right to disconnect. Telecommuting has become widespread, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU Labor Force Survey shows that the overall share of people working from home in the Union has almost doubled in recent years, from 11.1% in 2019 to 20% in 2022.
Teleworking involves many advantages for the world of work, but also some challenges. While it allows for flexibility in working conditions, it raises questions about how to ensure respect for workers’ rights in a more digitalised working environment. This has caused several stakeholders to call for a “right to disconnect“, in order to draw clear boundaries between professional and private life.
Today’s consultation follows the 2021 resolution in which the European Parliament called for a proposal to address these issues. In line with the President’s political orientations von der Leyen Regarding the resolutions adopted by the European Parliament pursuant to Article 225 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the Commission undertakes to respond with a legislative proposal in full compliance with the principles of proportionality and subsidiarity and the Better Lawmaking Agreement .
Meanwhile, the European cross-sectoral social partners have started, with the support of the Commission, negotiations to update the2002 framework agreement on teleworking . Following inconclusive negotiations, the parties asked the Commission to address the issue. For this reason, the Commission is launching the formal consultation of the EU social partners, in accordance with the rules and procedure for social policy legislation. The consultation will remain open until 11 June 2024.
The press release is available online.
