Labor Legislation in Russia vs Coronavirus: Who will Win?

Abstract

The spread of a new coronavirus infection and the consequences caused by it (social interactions limitations, the need for citizens to comply with the self-isolation regime, reduction in the volume of products and (or) services rendered, suspension of activities in a number of industries) posed the problem of optimal coordination of the interests of the parties to labor relations and the interests of the state before labor legislation. The paper attempts to consider the possible actions of the employer aimed at minimizing the negative consequences of the spread of the virus, both on the basis of mechanisms already laid down in labor legislation, and taking into account measures taken at the federal and regional levels. The author expresses the hope that the spread of a new coronavirus infection will not lead to a global revision of the rights and obligations of workers laid down in labor legislation, but will allow a fresh assessment of the existing balance of interests of workers and employers.