Work Reform

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A place to discuss positive changes that can make work more equitable, and to vent about current practices. We are NOT against work; we just want the fruits of our labor to be recognized better.

Our Philosophies:

All workers must be paid a living wage for their labor.
Income inequality is the main cause of lower living standards.
Workers must join together and fight back for what is rightfully theirs.
We must not be divided and conquered. Workers gain the most when they focus on unifying issues.

Our Goals

Higher wages for underpaid workers.
Better worker representation, including but not limited to unions.
Better and fewer working hours.
Stimulating a massive wave of worker organizing in the United States and beyond.
Organizing and supporting political causes and campaigns that put workers first.

founded 1 year ago

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U.K. might follow Europe in fining employers who message staff after-hours (fortune.com)

submitted 3 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

29 comments fedilink hide all child comments

The U.K. is considering joining a host of other European countries in making it more costly for restless employers to contact their employees after the working day ends.

The country’s fresh-faced Labour government is drafting legislation that would outlaw late-night WhatsApps, emails, and Slacks and potentially fine dissenting bosses heftily.

While commonplace across Europe, legislation giving workers a “right to disconnect” has lagged behind in the U.K., but now might become more European if reported changes to work culture are implemented.

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[–] [email protected] 15 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I manage a workforce across time zones and, as someone with ADHD, it’s usually best for me to fire off messages as things arise. If I read the summary, I’m not allowed to Slack/email after hours, which creates a huge burden for a remote workforce. I think that summary is incorrect and it’s more that I can’t force people to respond or even read those messages outside their work hours. I completely support this and I regularly bother my team when they respond to stuff after their day has ended. I call this out every quarter as we update our team working agreement. I don’t have any notifications set up for work comms period and have made it very clear the only way to get in touch with me is a phone call.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

You do realize that you can schedule messages?

[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Yeah! At scale that really falls apart. I have lots of conversations with lots of people across timezones so waiting for the intersection of everyone actively blocks work.

Asynchronous communication is exactly that. If you are not listening when your manager says “don’t Slack after work” that’s on you. I sure fucking don’t and I make that very clear.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 months ago

The fact that you are explicit about them not needing to read or answer after hours, and reiterate to the team during periodic meetings makes this fine IMO. You work when you do, and they work when they do.