Let's Break the Heat: Left Party Proposes Progressive Heat Break Plan
Progressive forces advocate for an increased scope of employment opportunities
The Left Party wants to kickstart a revolution for workers' heat protection. According to their manifesto, obtained by the German Editorial Network (RND), work hours must drop by a quarter when office or street temperatures hit 26°C. At 30°C, they should halve.
“Climate crisis is no longer just environmental, it’s a social crisis,” co-chair Jan van Aken told RND. “Working under the blazing sun or overheated offices can cost you your health.” He added that it's impossible to focus or work effectively in a 30°C+ office.
The Left Party seeks immediate action from the federal government by July 2025. To start, the Workplace Ordinance must tighten:
- Additional ten-minute breaks per hour when temperatures surpass 26°C.
- Employee rights to ample water, sun protection, remote work, and 25% reductions in full-time hours at 26°C.
- At 30°C, work hours drop to half, with a ten-minute break every half hour and fans on standby at the workplace.
- Free sunscreen dispensers at stations and more water fountains in cities featured in the manifesto.
Union and AfD Sweat It Out, Greens Cool Down
The Union dismissed the heat break demand, citing existing regulations. "Germany's work safety system is strong and proven—even in high heat," said Marc Biadacz, Union's labor and social policy spokesman, to “Welt.” He deemed the Left's initiative "utopian and economically infeasible."
The AfD also quashed the whole Left Party proposal. "Government shouldn't dictate business practices, but trust them to look after employees’ well-being," said Martin Sichert, AfD’s health policy spokesman, to “Welt.”
The Greens, however, backed "adapted work hour regulations." “Construction workers, garbage collectors, and window cleaners face greater risks in the heat—longer breaks and heat protection plans tailored to each job are crucial,” said Andreas Audretsch, deputy Green faction leader.
Tackling the Sizzling Odds: Five Facts about Coping with Heat at Work
Currently, a workplace temperature of up to 26°C is considered acceptable based on technical guidelines. If temperatures rise, employers must assess individual employees' health. When temperatures top 30°C, employers should act following recommendations: like employing sun shields, providing water, and allowing frequent breaks. A relaxed dress code is necessary when indoor temperatures exceed 35°C. Workers can refuse to work in unsuitable conditions, getting longer cool-off breaks or alternative workspaces. Those who labor outdoors in the heat, such as construction workers, garbage collectors, or window cleaners, are protected by specific regulations. They must be provided sun protection, gear, water, and shade at the worksite [1].
[1] Source: ntv.de, mau/AFP
- Labor Law
- Jan van Aken
- Climate Change
- Workers’ Health and Productivity
- Economic Impact
- Political and Social Impact
- Legal Implementation
- The Left Party's proposed Heat Break Plan includes community policies addressing workers' heat protection, such as additional breaks, water availability, sun protection, and remote work options, when office or street temperatures exceed 26°C.
- Jan van Aken, co-chair of the Left Party, emphasized the social crisis caused by climate change, stating that working in high temperatures poses threats to workers' health and productivity.
- The Greens support updated labor laws that allow for adapted work hour regulations, particularly for high-risk jobs in sectors like construction, waste management, and window cleaning, to ensure employees' well-being during heatwaves.
