workplace safety

Europe's Largest Unions Demand Right to Cancel Work on Days Above 30C

23 days ago

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.