As Europe battles with extreme heatwaves, a pressing issue has emerged: the need for comprehensive worker protections against heat stress. This summer's scorching temperatures have not only claimed lives but have also highlighted the urgent need for action. Trades unions across the continent are leading the charge, demanding new laws to safeguard workers from the deadly consequences of climate change.
The Heat Stress Crisis
The statistics are alarming. An estimated 230 workplace deaths annually are attributed to heat stress, and this year's figures may surpass that. The World Health Organization reports over 1,300 excess deaths in Europe linked to the June heatwave, with some estimates reaching as high as 20,000. These numbers underscore the urgency of the situation.
Union Demands and Proposed Solutions
Unions are advocating for enforceable thermal limits in workplaces, measured by the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index, which assesses the body's ability to cool itself. They also call for mandatory heat risk assessments at job sites, heat breaks, outdoor shade, water, cooling facilities, and adjusted working hours. These measures aim to provide a comprehensive safety net for workers.
Enrico Somaglia, General Secretary of the European Federation of Food, Agriculture and Tourism Trade Unions (Effat), emphasizes the dire situation: "Climate change is an immediate threat to occupational health and safety, as well as job stability. The current European legal framework is inadequate to address this growing challenge."
Political Momentum
The draft directive text, although not legally binding, has gained traction among sympathetic MEPs and officials. The torrid summer of 2026 has pushed this issue to the forefront of the political agenda. The proposed plan sets maximum workplace WBGTs between 30°C and 32.5°C, with work suspended beyond these temperatures. Employers violating these rules would face sanctions.
Effat, along with two other union groups representing 15 million workers, is leading this push, backed by a groundswell of union support. In the UK, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) is calling for a maximum working temperature and has received support from the government's Climate Change Committee.
Activist Engagement
The Heat Strike movement, formed after the UK's hottest day in 2022, has intensified its activism. During the June heatwave, 1,500 people participated in national actions, with activists setting up cool stations in town centres, offering water and health advice. This movement, supported by various unions and environmental groups, symbolizes the growing public awareness and demand for change.
The Bigger Picture
Global heating is intensifying, with Europe warming twice as fast as the global average. Research indicates that up to 130 million workers are now exposed to workplace heat stress, resulting in 277,000 injuries annually. Maria Ohisalo, a Finnish Green MEP, supports the union push, emphasizing the need for legally binding and harmonized rules to protect workers across Europe.
While the European Commission has pledged to bring forward the Quality Jobs Act this year, it faces opposition from labor ministers in right-wing EU states. The absence of a response from the Commission to requests for comment adds an element of uncertainty to the situation.
Conclusion
The fight for worker protections against heat stress is a critical battle in the broader war against climate change. As Europe grapples with the impacts of a rapidly changing climate, the need for comprehensive and enforceable regulations becomes increasingly evident. The unions' push for action serves as a reminder that climate change is not just an environmental challenge but a daily occupational health and safety risk that demands immediate attention.
