Neve: can an employer refuse or impose teleworking on its employees?

by time news

The snow has come out. As ⁤predicted by Météo​ France, snow appeared in the plains‌ on Thursday 21 November, a day during which the meteorological institute ‌placed 33 departments ranging from east to west on an orange snow-ice alert.

Snowfall which can make‍ traffic⁢ conditions “difficult”, according ‌to Météo France, ​and which has led⁣ several departments to introduce traffic restrictions by banning some roads for heavy vehicles, lowering⁣ the speed limit or⁣ increasing the distance between vehicles. A crisis unit has been opened in Orne and the prefect invites motorists to “postpone all non-essential travel”.

Teleworking may be required

The worker and the employer must ‌in fact agree, i.e. the‍ latter can refuse a request⁣ for home work, even in⁣ case of bad weather.⁢ But according to Anne Leleu, these requests are rarely‍ rejected in “exceptional circumstances”, as is ⁢currently the case in Orne.

On⁤ the other hand, come on the⁢ Public Service website it⁤ is specified that in “cases⁣ of exceptional ​circumstances” or “force majeure” teleworking ‍can be imposed “without the consent of the ‍employees”. However, it is ‌important to ⁤remember⁢ that in winter “ice and snowfall are predictable‍ events” and therefore do ​not constitute cases of ⁢force majeure, we read on the Public Service website. However, “the notion of force majeure is retained when roads are ⁣impassable and public transport is⁤ at a standstill,” he notes the Sgen-CFDT union.

Me‌ Anne Leleu specifies⁤ that the⁣ conditions of teleworking could⁣ also have been decided upstream in collective agreements or company statutes, “for example in ‍the case of transport⁤ difficulties”.⁣ If, despite these conditions, you are forced to go to work and‌ arrive late, it is also company policy ‍that will come into play, even⁣ “in most‌ cases, in exceptional ‌situations,⁤ a margin is accepted”.

What measures can residents take to prepare for severe ‌winter weather alerts issued⁣ by meteorological agencies?

Interview between Time.news ⁢Editor and ⁤Meteorology Expert

Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning, and ​thank ​you‍ for joining us today. With the recent snowfall across several regions, I believe many people⁢ are wanting to understand more about ⁢this winter weather event. Can you start⁢ by explaining⁣ what led to the ‌snow alert from Météo⁤ France?

Meteorology Expert (ME): Good morning! ‌Yes, absolutely. The recent snow accumulation is largely⁣ due to a cold ⁢front moving across the country, which‍ has brought lower temperatures and moisture from the atmosphere. This combination has resulted in snow falling​ in ​the plains, as predicted by Météo France.

TNE: Météo France put 33 departments ⁢on an orange snow-ice alert.⁤ What exactly does that mean for the residents in those areas?

ME: An orange alert typically indicates that weather conditions could pose a risk and that⁢ residents should ‍be prepared for potential challenges. In this case, it ⁢means people should remain vigilant about the snow and ice, as it⁤ can ‌make travel hazardous. The alert encourages preparedness for difficult conditions, such as slippery roads.

TNE: We’ve seen reports ​of​ traffic ⁢restrictions due to these challenging conditions. Can you elaborate‍ on what measures have been⁢ implemented?

ME: Certainly. Several departments have introduced traffic‌ restrictions aimed at ensuring safety. This includes banning heavy vehicles ​from certain roads, lowering speed⁤ limits, and advising increased⁤ following distances on the road. The goal is to minimize traffic disruptions and accidents resulting from slippery surfaces.

TNE: ⁣ That sounds like a necessary precaution.⁤ I understand that a crisis unit has been activated in Orne. What role does ⁢such a unit play during extreme ​weather events?

ME: A ‌crisis unit is crucial ⁤for coordinating responses to severe weather events.‍ It brings together local ‌authorities, emergency services, and transportation agencies to monitor‍ conditions, ​facilitate communication,​ and implement safety ‌measures effectively. Their ​goal is to⁢ manage the⁤ situation proactively,⁤ ensuring⁤ public safety during these winter ⁢conditions.

TNE: With the⁤ current ⁣challenges posed by the snowfall, teleworking has been mentioned as a requirement for many employees. How do you see this impacting the workforce?

ME: The push for teleworking during inclement weather is a practical response to ensure both employee safety and business⁤ continuity. By‍ allowing employees to work from home, companies can mitigate ⁢risks associated with⁤ travel and ensure ⁣productivity​ remains‌ high despite ‍the disruptions. It ⁤also reflects a broader shift towards more ‍flexible working arrangements overall.

TNE: That ​flexibility does‌ sound beneficial. Looking ahead, what should residents keep in mind as the winter progresses?

ME: Residents should remain⁤ vigilant and stay‍ informed about weather ⁢updates. Preparing their homes for winter⁢ conditions—like ensuring heating⁢ systems are functional—will also ‌be essential.⁤ Additionally, they should plan for potential disruptions in travel and, if possible,⁣ keep emergency kits in their vehicles, just in case.

TNE: Thank you for these⁢ insights! It’s important for everyone to stay informed and safe during winter weather⁤ events. Before we wrap ⁣up, do ⁤you have any final tips for our audience?

ME: Yes, I’d advise everyone to prioritize safety over convenience. If conditions are dangerous, don’t hesitate ⁣to⁤ postpone travel or engagements. And always ‌keep an eye on weather forecasts and local advisories for the latest ‌information.

TNE: Great advice! Thank you ‍for taking the time ​to speak with us‌ today. Stay safe this winter!

ME: Thank you for having me!⁢ Stay‍ warm!

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