Europe’s Unions Push for Heat-Protection Laws as Each 35°C Day Costs Germany Nearly €1 Billion
Published on 07/24/2026 at 04:32 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
European labour federations are escalating demands for legally binding workplace heat protections, citing mounting economic losses and risks to workers in sectors from construction to aviation. The push comes as new data reveals the staggering cost of extreme temperatures on productivity.
A study by Prognos, commissioned by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), found that every day above 30°C costs the German economy roughly €431 million. When the mercury hits 35°C, that figure jumps to €948 million per day. Productivity losses account for 97% of the damage, with the IT sector alone losing €17 million per hot day. Germany recorded 11.1 heat days in 2025.
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) is calling for mandatory temperature ceilings, paid cooling breaks, and financial compensation for work stoppages caused by extreme heat. Vulnerable groups include construction workers, harvest hands, and bus drivers. The ETUC also demands guaranteed access to shade, drinking water, and cooling areas, plus the flexibility to shift working hours to cooler mornings and evenings.
The World Health Organization estimates roughly 500,000 heat-related deaths occur globally each year. The European Commission is currently evaluating whether to introduce a continent-wide heat protection regulation.
One in three workers feels the strain
A survey of 4,000 employees by the German Trade Union Federation (DGB) found that one in three workers feels burdened by heat on the job. Among those under time pressure, that share rises to 48%.
DGB chair Yasmin Fahimi is advocating for a statutory “heat allowance” to protect both companies and workers when operations must halt due to extreme temperatures. The model already exists for roofers in Germany: they can claim 75% of their hourly wage for up to 53 hours per year. A labour law specialist warned that such a scheme could create bureaucratic hurdles and proposed a levy-financed system instead.
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Recent inspections by the Unia union in Switzerland’s Valais canton underscore enforcement gaps. Of 41 construction sites checked, 88% failed to comply with existing heat protection rules. Some workers lacked even drinking water. Labour representatives are now calling for formal work bans during extreme heat.
Airport strikes and school cooling disputes
Ground handlers at Palma de Mallorca airport announced partial strikes for late July and early August. The CCOO union is demanding more staff, higher pay, and better heat protection for workers on the tarmac.
In education, Swiss teacher associations are pushing for mandatory measures once classroom temperatures hit 26°C. In Germany, a new €200 million gymnasium in Cologne has sparked controversy for lacking air conditioning. Parents and teachers warn indoor temperatures could reach 40°C. The city administration cited budget constraints. By contrast, France recently invested €130 million in cooling school buildings.
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For immediate prevention, the IG BAU construction union recommends the “WSS rule”: water, sunscreen, and shade. Employers must provide sufficient drinks, while workers should apply SPF 50 every two hours and take regular breaks in the shade.
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