The discussion surrounding worker protection from heat is intensifying, with proposals emerging to broaden existing support mechanisms. Jan van Aken, leader of the Left party, has suggested extending seasonal short-time work benefits to construction workers on days experiencing high temperatures. He argues that such support should be made available to “all those engaged in hard work.
This expands upon an earlier proposal from June, which advocated for a reduction of daily working hours by 25% at temperatures exceeding 26 degrees Celsius. A further 50% reduction in working hours, coupled with an additional ten minutes of breaks for every thirty minutes worked, would be mandated when temperatures surpass 30 degrees Celsius.
Marc Biadacz, parliamentary spokesperson for labor market and social policy within the CDU/CSU alliance, dismissed the idea of a legally mandated “heat-free” day for all employees as impractical. He maintains that current regulations are sensible and effective, emphasizing the need for flexibility at the local level and trust in employers, worker councils and common sense rather than new legislation.
However, within the governing coalition, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) acknowledges the need for further action. Annika Klose, SPD spokesperson for labor and social affairs, stated the necessity of additional protections for individuals performing demanding physical labor lacking adequate heat protection. She called for consistent development of occupational safety regulations and increased staffing to ensure their effective implementation.
Lisa Paus, spokesperson for the Green Party’s working group on labor market and social affairs, echoed the sentiment, suggesting measures such as adjusted working hours, increased paid break times and enhanced sun protection could provide relief. While supporting these methods, she also asserted that employees require a legal right to “heat-free” time off should employers fail to uphold their duty of care.