Working time and autonomy: lessons for the new ways of working

Abstract

This article critically examines the relationship between autonomy and working time, with a focus on the new challenges in the world of work and explores whether traditional approaches can address new challenges. By comparing the situation of autonomous workers to known contexts, valuable lessons emerge. Autonomous work in this contribution is approached as work under subordination with at least one of three characteristics, namely, time independency, place independency (understood as autonomy in respect of hours and place of work) and autonomy in the performance of the work. The discussion covers issues such as the concept of working time, reconciling constant connectivity with rest periods, the scope of the Working Time Directive and the derogation of Article 17(1), as well as the obligation to measure working time. Comparative examples from Belgium, France, Finland and Italy provide useful and tangible insights into the application of the Working Time Directive. The article concludes that while old insights alone cannot address the specific issues faced by autonomous workers, they can guide the identification of suitable rules and regulations.