Europe's Largest Unions Demand Right to Cancel Work on Days Above 30C
5 hours ago
- #Workplace Safety
- #European Union
- #Climate Change
- Unions in Europe are demanding laws to protect workers from extreme heat, prompted by the hottest June on record in western Europe.
- Three major trade unions representing 12.6 million workers are urging the European Commission to set maximum working temperatures based on scientific metrics, such as 30°C for demanding jobs and 32.5°C for low-intensity work, with sanctions for non-compliance.
- Research indicates that around 130 million European workers face heat stress annually, leading to approximately 277,000 injuries and 230 deaths.
- Current heat-protection rules vary across Europe, with some countries relying on employers to adjust working conditions, lacking clear, enforceable protections.
- In the UK, the Trades Union Congress is advocating for maximum working temperatures, including stopping work at 30°C (or 27°C for manual labor), supported by a petition with over 64,000 signatures.