Sizzling Showdown: Die Linke Wants Hot Weather Leave for Workers, Sparks Debate
The progressives advocate for job expansion.
Gearing up to combat the summer heat, Die Linke, the Left party, is advocating for a novel approach to worker protection in the face of climate change. This includes extending daily breaks by ten minutes at temperatures of 26 degrees in workplaces, with even more relief when temperatures soar higher. The Greens are on board with the idea, while the Union and AfD label it an unfeasible pipe dream.
Jan van Aken, the co-chair of Die Linke, is championing a kind of heat leave at workplaces, as outlined in a policy paper reported by the German News Agency (RND). According to this plan, working hours would be slashed by a quarter when the mercury hits 26 degrees Celsius, and by half when it reaches 30 degrees.
"In this era of climate crisis, workers toiling under the blistering sun or in a sweltering office often pay the price with their health," van Aken told RND. He asserts that it's impossible to concentrate or perform effectively in an office above 30 degrees. Heat stress can lead to health problems, van Aken warns, whether it's for clerical work or physically demanding tasks on the street.
Van Aken urges the federal government to enact immediate changes by July 2025. These changes include tightening the Workplace Ordinance, which would mandate additional breaks, the right to remote work, and a reduction in full-time hours at temperatures above 26 degrees. At temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius, working hours should be cut in half, punctuated with frequent breaks, and workplaces should be equipped with fans. Furthermore, Van Aken's policy paper suggests installing free sunscreen dispensers at beaches and more water dispensers in cities to bolster public heat protection.
Union and AfD Slap Down the Proposal
The Union has dismissed the heat leave demand, citing existing regulations. Marc Biadacz, the Union faction's labor and social policy spokesman, stated in Welt that "Germany already has a strong and proven work safety system - even at high temperatures." He deems the Left's initiative to be "unrealistic and economically hardly feasible - especially for crafts, care workers, or the public sector."
The AfD has turned its back on the entire Left proposal. Martin Sichert, the AfD faction's health policy spokesman, remarked in Welt that "It's not the state's job to dictate to companies how they should behave, but to trust companies to take necessary measures for the benefit of their employees."
The Greens, on the other hand, have backed "adjusted working time regulations" in the newspaper. Andreas Audretsch, deputy chairman of the Green faction, explained that "given the increased strain on construction sites and the heightened risk of skin cancer and heat stress for outdoor workers, adjusted heat protection plans are needed for each operation."
Reality Check: Current Regulations and Worker Protection
By the book, a room temperature up to 26 degrees Celsius is considered comfortable according to technical rules for workplaces. Should the thermometer edge above this mark, the employer must check if the health of individual employees is jeopardized by the heat. From 30 degrees, they should act according to a recommendation, such as installing sun shields on the windows, providing drinks, or allowing more frequent breaks. When the temperature exceeds 35 degrees, the work environment becomes unsuitable for labor, and employees have the right to refuse work there, with entitlement to longer cooling breaks or an alternative workspace.
Outdoor workers like construction workers, garbage collectors, or window cleaners cannot rely solely on room temperatures. However, regulations exist to shield these employees from the sun during their shifts, such as with umbrellas, appropriate headgear, sunscreen, and ample drinking water.
Health, Labor Law, Die Linke, Jan van Aken, Climate Change
Behind the Scenes of Die Linke's Proposal
Detailed Elements of Die Linke's Proposal - Adjusted Working Hours: When work temperatures exceed 26°C, working hours should be reduced by 25%, with mandatory 10-minute breaks every hour1. Temperatures above 30°C warrant halved working hours, with 10-minute breaks every half hour1. - Additional Measures: Employers should provide water and fans for employees, and install free sunscreen dispensers at beaches and more water fountains in cities to bolster public heat protection1. - Telework Option: Employees should have the option to work from home during extreme heat conditions2.
Preliminary Responses from Other Political Parties At the moment, there are no public reactions from other political parties regarding Die Linke's proposal. However, it forms part of a broader strategy by Die Linke to champion worker welfare and environmental protection, likely inspiring discussions in the German political landscape1. It remains to be seen how other parties choose to respond to this proposal to protect workers from the debilitating effects of heatwaves.
- The advocacy by Die Linke for extended breaks and heat leave in workplaces during extreme temperatures is not solely centered on climate change, but also encompasses policies related to health-and-wellness, science, and environmental-science.
- Jan van Aken, co-chair of Die Linke, has proposed a comprehensive policy paper that extends beyond heat leave, including tightening the Workplace Ordinance to mandate adjustments in working hours, breaks, and remote work options, all aimed at promoting worker health in the context of climate change.
- In response to Die Linke's proposal, the Union and AfD have expressed skepticism, with the Union citing existing regulations and the AfD advocating for less government intervention in business practices. However, the Greens have expressed support for adjusted working time regulations, especially for outdoor workers who are at a higher risk during heatwaves.
