A debate over the categorization (or not) of digital disconnection in the workplace as a fundamental right

Authors

  • Francisco Trujillo Pons Spain

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24310/rejlss10202520771

Keywords:

digital disconnection, directive, fundamental, regulation, computer fatigue

Abstract

The article analyzes the issue of the right to digital disconnection in the work context, arguing that the Spanish courts do not consider it a fundamental right. Court cases are presented that support this position, highlighting that failure to comply with this right can lead to the termination of the employment contract, but not to additional compensation for moral damages as it is not a fundamental right under Spanish law. However, arguments are put forward in favor of considering the right to digital disconnection as fundamental. The relevance of national and international regulations that support this right is mentioned, such as the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Furthermore, the community legislative initiative to guarantee this right at the European level is highlighted. In short, it is proposed that the debate on the fundamental nature of the right to digital disconnection continues, and it is expected that future judicial decisions (Supreme Court) may change this interpretation, especially considering its relationship with the health, dignity and privacy of Workers.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Metrics

No metrics found.

References

Alexy, R., Bernal Pulido, C. (Coord.), & Portocarrero Quispe, J. A. (Trad.), Teoría de los derechos fundamentales (3ª ed.), Centro de Estudios Políticos y Constitucionales, 2022.

López Insua, B.M., “Los derechos fundamentales de los empleados públicos en la era digital”, RIGL: Revista Iberoamericana de Gobierno Local, núm. 24, 2023.

Ministerio de Trabajo y Economía Social, “Gobierno y organizaciones sindicales firman el acuerdo para la reducción de la jornada semanal a 37,5 horas sin reducción salarial”, 20 de diciembre de 2024, [Nota de prensa], Recuperado de https://prensa.mites.gob.es/webPrensa/listado-noticia/noticia/4405

Molero Marañón, M. L., “El derecho a la desconexión digital en el marco de la Unión Europea con especial atención a la igualdad de género”, Revista de Derecho Laboral vLex (RDLV), núm. 4, 2021.

Pérez Luño, A.E., Los derechos fundamentales (9ª ed.), Tecnos, Madrid, 2007.

Tapia Trueba, A., “Pasado, presente y propuestas de futuro de la desconexión digital”, Revista Española de Derecho del Trabajo, núm. 258, 2022.

Trujillo Pons, F., “Un estudio acerca de la eventual Directiva comunitaria sobre el derecho a la desconexión digital en el trabajo”, IUSLabor, 2021.

Velasco Lozano, J., “Desconexión digital: Más allá de la (escasa) normativa española. Propuesta de directiva del Parlamento Europeo e instrucciones prácticas para el respeto de este derecho”, Revista de Derecho Laboral vLex (RDLV), núm. 2, 2021

Published

2025-03-24

How to Cite

Trujillo Pons, F. (2025). A debate over the categorization (or not) of digital disconnection in the workplace as a fundamental right. Journal of Labor and Social Security Legal Studies (REJLSS), (10), 113–132. https://doi.org/10.24310/rejlss10202520771

Issue

Section

Estudios doctrinales