Louisiana workers want same rights as Germany, survey reveals

LOUISIANA (KTAL/KMSS) — A survey was conducted to determine the ten most desirable labor laws in other countries that Louisiana workers envy inspired by the “right to disconnect” law allowing employers to decline calls from their boss during their personal time.

This law imposes a $100 fine on employers who contact their employees after hours. At least 10 countries, including Canada and Australia, have supported this bill.

The case study was released with the adoption of California’s new legislation. Bisnar Chase, a California personal injury law firm, conducted the survey examining work-life balance and found Louisiana’s top 10 countries’ labor laws they would be willing to adopt.

They found Louisiana workers want to have some of the same rights and benefits as those enjoyed in other countries. Here are some of them.

Louisiana’s top labor law pick: Germany.

Unlike Louisiana and most states in the U.S., Germany does not have an at-will employment rule.

In Germany, they encourage workers to unionize, have strong anti-discrimination protections, and have implemented the ‘right to work from home’ for specific sectors.

According to the Federal Holidays Act, employees are entitled to a minimum of 20 vacation days per year.

Louisiana’s second labor law pick: Denmark.

According to the survey, Denmark is known for strong labor unions and a high level of worker protection, like statutory employee benefits.

Denmark does not have a minimum wage set by law; instead, wages are negotiated between unions and employers, often leading to relatively high salaries.

According to the Danish Holiday Act of 2020, employees are entitled to five working weeks (25 days) of paid vacation per year.

Louisiana’s third labor law pick: France.

The survey revealed that France has laws that protect employees’ right to disconnect from work-related emails and communications during non-work hours.

France implemented this law in 2017, which aims to prevent burnout and ensure that employees have a clear separation between their work and personal life.

Louisiana’s fourth labor law pick: Luxembourg.

Luxembourg has the highest minimum wage in the world, currently set at €3,085.11 ($3290.70) per month in 2023, according to wageindicator.org

And coming in 10th for Louisiana’s pick: Australia

Australia has strong labor laws that include provisions for fair work practices, minimum wage standards, and leave entitlements.

The Paid Parental Leave Amendment provides families up to 20 weeks of payment for a child, with 2 weeks reserved for each parent in a couple. From July 1, two weeks of payments will be added to parental leave pay each year until 2026.

All employees in Australia (full-time and part-time) are entitled to up to four weeks of paid annual leave — or “vacation pay” — or five if they are shift workers.

The survey has an interactive map showing each state’s top ten choices of labor laws.