Across Germany, concerns are mounting regarding the impact of the ongoing heatwave on worker health and safety. The Green Party parliamentary group is now calling for employers to implement proactive measures to protect employees from extreme heat, with a proposed framework for legally mandated “heat breaks” if adequate protections are not in place.
According to a draft resolution seen by German media outlets, the Green Party advocates for employers to take action when workplace temperatures reach 26 degrees Celsius (78.8 degrees Fahrenheit). Suggested measures include adjusted working hours, extended and paid breaks, shading and sun protection, ventilation and the provision of complimentary beverages – tailored to the nature of the work and the workplace environment.
The resolution stipulates that if employers fail to provide “adequate” heat protection, employees should be granted the right to take time off – a legally enshrined “heat break”. The party emphasizes that such individual rights should be negotiated and defined in collective bargaining agreements between employees and employers, ensuring customized solutions.
Recognizing particular vulnerabilities within the healthcare sector, the Green Party is also urging the federal government to expand funding for climate adaptation programs within hospitals and care facilities. A proposed allocation of 200 euros per person requiring care would facilitate the installation of climate control and heat protection measures. Furthermore, the party is seeking to allocate 650 million euros from the federal budget to support 250 additional projects aimed at adapting urban and rural spaces to climate change.
The Green Party acknowledges that while immediate action is required, the most effective long-term solution is aggressive climate protection and mitigation efforts. The call for employee heat breaks echoes a previous proposal by the Left Party, further highlighting the growing urgency surrounding workplace safety during periods of intense heat.