TCO Union, Sweden (Model)
 
 

Agreement on Tele-commuting from one's home
 
Tele-commuting at company X is regulated in this agreement between the company and union club. This agreement is a general one for all employees in the work place.

 
Definition

Tele-commuting from one's home refers to work that is performed by employees over a short or long time span in their own home, or from another place as agreed on in each specific case. Organisationally, the tele-commuting work place shall belong to the main work place.
 

Voluntariness

Tele-commuting in one's home shall be a voluntary undertaking for the employee and shall be beneficial to both the employee and the employer. 
 

Work Hours

The same restrictions limiting the work hours that apply to other employees in the main work place shall also apply to the tele-commuter. Distribution of the work hours shall follow the regulations in the Work Hours Act. Overtime, additional time and emergency duty time are governed by the same regulations as in the main work place. 
 

Extent

The tele-commuter shall agree with the superiors on work tasks and the work volume. The extent of tele-commuting shall be such that it does not impede the employee's social contacts with colleagues nor his/her competence and career development. For this reason, a minimum of X days per week shall be spent in the main work place. 
 

Accessibility

The tele-commuter shall decide on accessibility and distribution of work hours together with each responsible superior. Attention shall be paid both to the requirements on effective performance and the ability of the tele-commuter to combine his work with family life, etc.
The telephone operators of the company and the concerned department secretary shall be kept informed.

The superior and tele-commuter shall always agree on how he/she can be reached, e.g. by colleagues and external contacts.
The tele-commuter shall report any absence (illness, child care, customer visits, etc.) according to current routines. The employer shall stay responsible for relieving the employee if this is required by his/her absence. 
 

Car Compensation

On those days when tele-commuting from the home or another tele-commuting work place, this shall be ranked equal as work in the main work place. Car compensation in this case is calculated from the tele-commuting work place. 
 

Equipment

The employer shall stay responsible for the equipment required by the employee and all expenses for the same. The employer shall also be responsible for installing the equipment and when required also to de-install the same.
The equipment may only be used by the employee in the course of his or her work.
All changes in the configuration of the equipment shall be made by the technician appointed by the employer.
The employer shall insure the equipment. Any damages caused by the equipment in the home of the tele-commuter are normally covered by the householders comprehensive insurance. In this case, the employer shall compensate for the excess and any loss insurance bonus. 
 

Work Space

The work space in the home shall be designed and equipped to be suitable for working. The employer shall cover these expenses.
Compensation for telephone costs, electricity consumption, cleaning of the work space and other expenses shall be paid by the employer in accordance with a compensation model/day.

The employer shall also pay reasonable compensation for the work space which the tele-commuter makes available in his/her home. Compensation shall be made in line with tax-related consequences incurred by the employee. 
 

Safe and Protective Measures

The employer shall remain responsible for providing the tele-commuter with a safe work environment that does not pose the risk of any injuries. Among others, this entails the employer being responsible for the safety of equipment and machines put at the disposal of the employee.
The employee shall adhere to current regulations and pay due attention to prevent unhealthy situations and injuries.
The employer shall have access to the tele-commuting work place. 
 

Cancellation

Upon the request of the employee or employer, tele-commuting work may be cancelled at one month's notice. The employee shall then return to his/her work in the main work place. 
 

Review

The work method of tele-commuting from one' s home shall be reviewed once a year. The tele-commuter pledges to participate in this review, which among others shall cover:

Place and date
Employee Representative Employer