A leading figure in the German Left, Jan van Aken, has released a policy paper calling for improved heat protection at the workplace. The proposal, titled “Heat Protection is Work Protection – Now Act” suggests that the daily working time should be reduced by a quarter when the workplace temperature reaches 26 degrees Celsius.
At 30 degrees Celsius, the recommended work period should be halved, with additional measures including the installation of fans and regular breaks. The Left Party’s chairman also demands the provision of free sunscreen dispensers at beaches and more water dispensers in cities.
The heat crisis, van Aken emphasized, is not only an environmental issue, but also a social one, as those who work under the scorching sun or in overheated offices often pay the price with their health. He believes that no one can be productive and focused in an office at 30 degrees Celsius and that the heat and sun can lead to physical and mental health problems, affecting both office workers and those in physically demanding jobs on the streets.
The Left Party’s leader is urging the German federal government to implement immediate measures by July 2025. He is calling for the labor protection law to be strengthened, with the following provisions: ten-minute breaks per hour at temperatures above 26 degrees Celsius, sufficient water and sun protection, the right to work from home and a 25% reduction in full-time work hours.
Furthermore, at temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius, the rules should be even more stringent, with a 50% reduction in working hours, regular breaks of ten minutes and the installation of fans at the workplace.