A new proposal has emerged in the ongoing debate surrounding worker protection from extreme heat, spearheaded by Jan van Aken, leader of the Left Party. He is advocating for an expansion of seasonal short-time work benefits to encompass construction workers experiencing heatwaves during the summer months, arguing the support should be accessible to “all hard-working people.
This suggestion builds upon an earlier proposal from early June, which initially suggested reducing daily working hours by 25% when workplace temperatures exceed 26 degrees Celsius. A further 50% reduction in working hours, alongside an additional ten-minute break for every half-hour worked, was proposed for temperatures surpassing 30 degrees Celsius.
Marc Biadacz, parliamentary spokesperson for labor and social policy for the center-right coalition, deems a legally mandated heat-free period for all employees as unrealistic. He affirms the current regulatory framework is effective and practical, emphasizing the need for on-site flexibility and trust in employers, works councils and common sense rather than introducing new stipulations.
The coalition partner, the Social Democratic Party (SPD), acknowledges the need for action. Annika Klose, spokesperson for labor and social affairs, stated to the newspaper that further protective measures are necessary for individuals performing strenuous physical labor with limited access to heat protection. She stressed the importance of consistently developing occupational safety regulations and increasing personnel to effectively monitor their implementation.
Lisa Paus, spokesperson for the Green Party’s labor and social affairs faction, suggests adjustments such as modified working hours, increased paid breaks and provision of sunscreen could provide relief. However, she also expressed the view that, “If the duty of care is neglected, employees need a right to heat-free periods”. The discussion underscores the growing concern regarding worker safety and the exploration of diverse solutions to mitigate the impacts of rising temperatures in the workplace.
