● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact
European Unions Demand Legal Right to Cancel Work in Extreme Heat
Key points
- Unions represent 12.6 million people in 40 countries.
- Call for maximum working temperatures at 30C and 32.5C.
- Approximately 130 million workers face heat stress annually.
- Current rules on heat vary widely across Europe.
Unions Demand Heat Protection Legislation
Three of Europe’s largest trade unions are advocating for new laws to shield workers from rising temperatures, following record-breaking heat in June. They are urging the European Commission to include formal heat-protection measures in upcoming legislation.
Proposed Temperature Regulations
The unions propose legal requirements for employers to suspend work if temperatures exceed 30C for high-intensity jobs, such as those in agriculture and construction, and 32.5C for lower-intensity jobs.
Scope of Workplace Heat Stress
Research from the European Trade Union Institute indicates that about 130 million workers in Europe experience heat stress each year, leading to significant injuries and fatalities.
Lack of Consistent Regulations
Currently, regulations regarding heat-induced work conditions differ across European countries. Some countries allow employers to adjust work requirements based on temperature without strict legal guidelines.
Broader Calls for Action in the UK
In the UK, the Trades Union Congress has also requested maximum working temperatures, stating there is currently no equivalent to a legal maximum temperature. They advocate for measures to improve workplace cooling practices and protect workers during heatwaves.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Several major European trade unions are calling for legislation to protect workers from heat stress. They propose suspending work legally when temperatures exceed 30C in demanding jobs, aiming to address a growing climate-induced issue affecting millions of workers across Europe.