Many are aware of their responsibilities during quarantine, but not everyone is aware of their rights.
Especially if your work has become remote, or when the employer generally wants to lay you down during a period of restrictions. Parliament resolved this issue by adopting amendments to the labor legislation. The permanent expert of the program spoke about protection and rights «Vіkna-novini " on STB, ex-minister of health Zoryana Skaletskaya.
On Monday, the Ukrainian Parliament passed changes to the labor legislation. The main one is that if you work remotely, do work at home, this must be indicated in writing in your employment contract. And now, according to the law, telecommuting or home work is considered the work that you do outside the employer's premises. In this case, the employee himself distributes his working time. But its total duration cannot exceed the standards. Pay for such work should be the same as in the enterprise or in the office. These changes are a big breakthrough. We can work from home legally and send our work by mail outside of the workplace.
It is good that, under the compulsion of quarantine, archaic Soviet codes have finally led to modern realities. Clarifications on remote work, which is due to the epidemic: if it is only a quarantine, then it is not required to indicate in writing in the employment contract that you are forced to work from home.
The next innovation: the mandatory requirement to comply with the internal daily routine was canceled and a new article on flexible working hours was introduced. This means that its duration is determined not in a day, but in two weeks, a month, etc. Depending on the reason. That is, no one stands over you every day with a watch and does not monitor how much time you spent at your workplace. The employee himself determines when he fulfills his quota, when he takes a break for rest or lunch. This flexibility cannot lead to changes in pay or your labor rights.
Now, here are some practical tips for those whose work schedule or pay level changed during quarantine.
1. If your business is idle due to the coronavirus epidemic, the employer must pay you at least 2/3 of the salary rate. Therefore, in the future, you should not continue the now widespread practice of writing vacation applications at your own expense. If it doesn't match your desire.
2. If the employer says that as a result of quarantine your position is being cut, then he must either offer you another job, or notify you of dismissal at least two months in advance. And, moreover, to pay everything that belongs to you, including unused vacation.
3. And in the event of a layoff, and in the event of a business closure, you have the right to apply for unemployment benefits. While you are looking for a new job.
4. In addition, in a quarantine environment, it should be remembered that the employer must ensure that the workplace is adequate: warmth, protection from dust or infections. If he requires you to put on a mask, and this is a condition for access to work, then he must provide these means of protection.
5. Any violation of your rights is the basis for going to court. But only if you are officially employed.
Also remember that you can only defend your salary if it is issued officially. Paying in envelopes may seem attractive, but it makes it impossible for you in times like these to defend your rights and receive compensation.Therefore, obey the laws and enforce your rights. Wash your hands, keep calm and be healthy.
Find out more useful information in the program "Vіkna-novini" on STB Monday through Friday at 17:30, 22:00, and now also during the daytime at 14:30.
