As Europe’s scorching summer continues, trade unions are pushing for new laws to combat deadly heat stress, which is linked to an estimated 230 workplace deaths each year. This year’s toll could be even higher, with the World Health Organization already linking 1,300 excess deaths in Europe to the June heatwave, and other estimates reaching as high as 20,000.
Unions want enforceable workplace temperature limits based on the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), which measures the body’s ability to cool itself, along with mandatory heat risk assessments at job sites. They are also calling for rights to heat breaks, outdoor shade, water, cooling, and adjusted working hours to be included in an upcoming quality jobs law, according to a draft directive seen by the Guardian.
Enrico Somaglia, general secretary of the European Federation of Food, Agriculture and Tourism Trade Unions (Effat), said: “Climate change is no longer a distant environmental challenge. It is a daily occupational health and safety risk and a threat to job stability. The current European legal framework is clearly not enough to protect against it.”
While the draft text is not a legal document, it is being taken up by sympathetic MEPs and officials as the intense summer of 2026 pushes the issue higher on the political agenda. The plan proposes maximum workplace WBGT levels ranging from 30°C to 32.5°C, depending on whether work is very high or low intensity. Above these temperatures, work would be suspended. Employers who break the rules would face “effective, proportionate, and dissuasive” penalties.
Effat is one of three union groups representing 15 million workers that support the proposed heat safety law, along with the European Federation of Public Service Unions and the European Federation of Building and Woodworkers, amid growing union backing.
In the UK, where an amber heat alert was issued for the southwest of England on Wednesday and temperatures are expected to soar in a new heatwave, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) is calling on ministers to introduce a maximum working temperature. This demand was recently backed by the government’s advisers on the Climate Change Committee.
The TUC wants rules to ensure employers take steps to lower workplace temperatures if they exceed 24°C, and the right for workers to stop work if temperatures reach 30°C, or 27°C for those doing strenuous jobs. Paul Nowak, the TUC general secretary, said the rapidly changing climate brings significant workplace risks that need to be addressed. “Indoor workplaces should be kept at comfortable temperatures, with relaxed dress codes and flexible working to take advantage of the coolest hours of the day. And employers must make sure outdoor workers are protected with regular breaks, plenty of fluids, sunscreen, and the right protective clothing,” he said.
A Heat Strike movement formed after the UK’s hottest day in 2022 has stepped up its activism, calling for national action that 1,500 people took part in during the heatwave at the end of June. Activists, supported by groups including the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union, the Fire Brigades Union, Greenpeace, War on Want, and Extinction Rebellion, set up cool stations to hand out water and health advice in town centres from Exeter to York. Some supporters held symbolic lunchtime walkouts in solidarity with those suffering in extreme heat.
Global heating is rapidly intensifying, and Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average. Up to 130 million workers are now exposed to workplace heat stress, with 277,000 injured by it each year, according to research by the European Trade Union Institute. Maria Ohisalo, a Finnish Green MEP and the rapporteur for a parliamentary report, commented on the situation.A parliamentary report on extreme temperatures at work is backing the union’s push. She said: “Right now, there are no Europe-wide rules to protect workers from heat (or cold) at work—just a mix of weak recommendations. But workers everywhere need the kind of protection that only legally binding and consistent rules can provide.”
New heat stress rules could be added to the Quality Jobs Act, which the European Commission has promised to introduce this year. However, they will first need to overcome opposition from several labor ministers in right-leaning EU countries, who prefer weaker recommendations.
The commission did not respond to a request for comment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the push for new heat stress protections for workers across Europe
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What exactly is heat stress at work
Heat stress happens when your body cant cool down enough Its not just feeling hot it can lead to heat exhaustion cramps or even heat stroke Its a serious health risk for people working in hot kitchens warehouses construction sites or outdoors in the sun
2 Why are unions pushing for new rules now
Because summers are getting hotter and longer due to climate change Old rules arent enough Unions want clear legal limits to protect workers from dangerous heat
3 What kind of protections are unions asking for
They want things like
A legal maximum temperature for indoor and outdoor work
Mandatory rest breaks in cool areas
Access to free cold drinking water
Rules to slow down the pace of work during heatwaves
Better ventilation and cooling equipment
4 Who would these new protections help
Almost everyone who works in a hot environment This includes construction workers warehouse staff delivery drivers kitchen workers farmers gardeners and factory employees
5 Is this just a problem for outdoor workers
No Indoor workers can suffer too especially in bakeries laundries factories without air conditioning and commercial kitchens Heat can build up inside even on mild days
IntermediateLevel Questions
6 Dont employers already have a duty of care
Yes they do But unions argue the current duty of care is too vague It doesnt set a specific temperature limit so its hard for workers to enforce New laws would make it a clear legal requirement not just a suggestion
7 What specific temperature limit are unions proposing
There isnt one single number for all of Europe yet but many unions are pushing for a maximum working temperature of around 30C for indoor work and 25C for heavy physical work If it gets hotter work must stop or be drastically reduced
8 Would these rules apply to remote workers or people in cars
Thats a big question Unions are pushing to include delivery drivers truckers and people working from home
