Unions want right to disconnect, as survey shows 97% take work beyond normal hours

The confederation of Maltese unions, For.U.M., will be pushing for government to legislate in favour of workers’ right to disconnect.

In essence, the law would protect a worker’s decision not to review emails, messages or take work-related calls outside work hours, while on vacation leave or during sick leave.

Such a law has already been enacted in France, with companies employing more than 50 workers are required by law to set up hours – usually during evenings and on weekends – when staff are not to send or respond to emails.

Some European companies have introduced restrictions on use of email outside of business hours.

Automaker Volkswagen prevents its email servers from delivering messages to employees in Germany when they are off-shift or on vacation. Others, including automakers Daimler and BMW, insurance giant Allianz-France, telecoms firm Orange and IT giant Atos also have restrictions on employees' use of email.

A survey carried out by For.U.M. among 527 members found that 97% of respondents work after hours; 95% said they checked their emails during weekends whilst 82% admitted to checking their emails during family times such as during dinner or on vaction.

For.U.M. vice president Chris Attard and youth section chairperson Graham Sansone said the introduction of such a right will help workers and families reach a far better work-life balance, whilst employers could see the benefits in a less stressed workforce.

“People are expected to remain connected to their offices 24 hours, seven days a week. Holidays are not an exception. Constant email communication causes not only mental tension and burnouts, but also creates issues within families,” Attard said.

The survey was conducted by the For.U.M. youth section, with research being carried out over a period of six months.

“We are the instant generation, were replies are demanded instantly,” Sansone added, noting that the competitive market forced people to work more.

Sansone said the For.U.M. was working to see that Malta becomes the second country in Europe to adopt a legislation defending the right to disconnect.

Meetings will be held with the government and opposition, and the For.U.M. will be holding individual meetings with social partners in order to better explain their proposal and how this could be implemented.

It hopes that the political parties include their proposal in the electoral manifesto.