Labor union IG Metall is calling for stricter penalties against employers failing to adequately protect employees from heat stress during periods of high temperatures. According to Hans-Jürgen Urban, IG Metall’s Head of Social Affairs, while existing regulations regarding worker protection in offices and factories appear sufficient on paper, many businesses are neglecting to implement necessary preventative measures.
Urban highlighted a difference in compliance observed between workplaces with established works councils, indicating a greater level of employee respect in those environments. He emphasized the need for intensified oversight and harsher sanctions for companies not adhering to guidelines, suggesting the relevant labor inspection authorities and accident insurance bodies must take action.
Meanwhile, the service sector union Verdi is advocating for an overhaul of workplace regulations to enhance worker protection on hot days. Markus Nöthen, Verdi’s Head of Workplace and Health Protection, stated that a legislative revision, particularly concerning the workplace regulations, could significantly improve the situation for employees experiencing extreme heat.
However, Verdi has dismissed proposals for the introduction of a “heat pay” initiative. Nöthen argued that existing labor protection laws already establish employer responsibilities and that solutions, such as shifting working hours to early morning periods, providing shading and supplying cold beverages like water, should be prioritized where possible. He cautioned against shifting the financial burden onto the public and social welfare systems when employers fail to fulfill their legal obligations.
