Legal developments in labour protection: The right to digital disconnection
In a recent ruling, the High Court of Justice of Catalonia has reaffirmed the importance of the right to digital disconnection for workers, marking a milestone in labour law. Although the ruling did not award additional compensation to an employee, it highlights that long working hours and unusual working hours can compromise rest and digital disconnection, which are crucial aspects of well-being at work.
The ruling, issued on 5 May, establishes that the right to limit working time and to daily and weekly rest periods is fundamental under the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, even though it is not explicitly enshrined in the Spanish Constitution. This verdict sheds light on the need to respect rest periods as an integral part of the physical and mental well-being of workers, regardless of their sector or work activity.
Although current legislation does not include specific sanctions for violation of the right to disconnect, the ruling emphasises that such infringements can be considered within the legal limits of working time, holidays and, most crucially, respect for workers' privacy and dignity. This innovative approach opens the door to greater legal protection for workers in terms of prevention of occupational risks and respect for their fundamental rights.
This court decision represents a significant step forward in the recognition and protection of the right to digital disconnection in the workplace, setting an important precedent for future cases and highlighting the importance of promoting balanced work environments that respect workers' rights.
