Michael Furyk’s Article “A Disconnect from Work Policy Does Not Require Employee Disconnection… Yet!” Featured in IADC Transportation Committee Newsletter

Bill 27, Working for Workers Act, 2021 adds new provisions to the Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA). How does the legislation regarding “disconnecting from work” impact motor carriers?

In Ontario, an employer with over 25 employees must implement and distribute a disconnecting from work policy, but there are currently no requirements on what this policy must include. Furthermore, the Ontario Ministry of Labour’s guide on this policy expressly states that employers are not required to provide their employees a right to disconnect from work.

In their article “A Disconnect from Work Policy Does Not Require Employee Disconnection… Yet!“, Michael Furyk, Associate, and Heather Devine provide a detailed explanation of who is subject to Bill 27 and the options motor carriers may take to ensure compliance with current and potential upcoming legislation. They also cover important considerations, such as:

“…if an employer’s policy on disconnecting from work creates a right that is not already guaranteed by the ESA, this right may become legally enforceable.”

While the definition of “work-related communications” remains open-ended, future legislation may require motor carriers to provide a right to disconnect. Read Michael and Heather’s article now for their insights into how motor carriers can best prepare for an expanded right to disconnect.