Deputies approve telecommuting law with modifications of the Executive.

Publicado el 24-01-2020

Technology makes teleworking an increasingly viable modality for companies.

The plenary session of the National Assembly approved in the third debate the draft Law 076 that establishes and regulates teleworking in the Republic of Panama, and is only pending the sanction of the Executive.

According to the legislative initiative, telework generates a positive impact on the quality of life of workers. However, it is not mandatory.

In one of its articles it is established that the worker may freely reject or accept the transformation to the teleworking modality without this being cause for dismissal.

According to the International Labor Organization, telecommuting is a way in which the employer, through the use of new technologies, develops his tasks in a location that is not his central office or production area.

According to the bill, individual telework contracts will be made in writing. The document must indicate the time of the work day, the conditions for prevention, safety and health of the teleworker. In addition, the terms of the remuneration, as well as the appropriate space and conditions in the employee's domicile.

In Panama, 70 out of 100 people are internet users.

With the new modality, the worker will have the right to the recognition by the Social Security Fund of the professional risks that occurred during teleworking hours.

The legislative initiative was approved in the third debate and sent to the Executive in October of last year, but was partially objected “for inconvenience in articles 1, 7, 13, 15 and 18 and non-eligibility in article 24”. The objected items were modified or deleted by lawmakers. Now, the text approved in the third debate returns to the Executive for its sanction.

Source: La Prensa.