California lawmakers would allow workers disregard employers after hours

A new bill restricts businesses' off-hours interaction with Californians to improve work-life balance.

The bill by San Francisco Assemblymember Matt Haney would require California corporations to indicate employee “compensated” hours.

Employees wouldn't be expected to answer calls, messages, or emails outside that window.

The state labor commission may investigate and punish employers who disturb workers' personal time.

The measure exempts emergencies, scheduling, and collective bargaining. But also seeks to establish commercial boundaries that assembly member Haney believes are lacking.

“California created many of these technologies that allow people to be available 24/7, we should also lead the way in making sure we can make them sustainable for work-life balance,” he said.

The California Chamber of Commerce says the bill is a step backwards for workplace flexibility and ignores California's longstanding hours worked and pay standards.