Does B.C. Need Right to Disconnect Legislation: CKNW Interview with Lawyer

Interview Summary

Many countries have recently passed legislation regarding the right to disconnect from the workplace. In Canada, Ontario recently introduced this regulation in the Working for Workers Act. As a result of the pandemic and the blurring of lines between the workplace and home life, many employees are experiencing burnout and are unsure when the regular workday ends.

A Vancouver employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP joined Jas Johal on Global News Radio 980 CKNW to discuss the possibility of this legislation in B.C.

Interview Notes

• Is the right to disconnect legislation still uncommon for most countries and employment law in general?
• What level of government involvement is needed to pass any disconnect legislation in Canada and can it be done provincially?
• Is there a difference between legislation disconnect laws for the public and private sectors?
• Have there been lawsuits or complaints brought forth by employees regarding their ability to disconnect?
• Has the right to disconnect legislation influenced a bigger conversation surrounding workplace culture?