Workers’ right to ‘disconnect’ begins in Belgium

In order to balance work and private life, the practice called “unplug or pull the plug” began on April 1, within the scope of the labor regulation agreed by the Belgian federal government last year.

Accordingly, employees who work after hours at workplaces where more than 20 people work may have the right not to respond to work-related calls, messages or emails. However, this requires an agreement between the employer and the employees.

It is requested that an agreement be made between the employer and the workers determining what the special and unforeseen emergency situations may be, and that the request be valid except for these special conditions.

OBLIGATION TO APPLY TO EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS

As of April 1, employers are required to include the “right to unavailability outside of work” in collective agreements or labor regulations in workplaces with more than 20 employees.

In Belgium, the right for employees to “log off” started last year for federal civil servants. Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Petra De Sutter issued a circular on February 1 last year, stating that federal government officials are not required to answer phone calls or emails after business hours, except in emergencies. . (AA)