Key facts
- European trade unions demand a maximum working temperature law from the European Commission.
- Trade unions propose 'cooling breaks' for workers during heatwaves.
- The European Green Party calls for an emergency EU summit.
- The summit aims to strengthen climate protections and the Green Deal.
- The current heatwave in Western Europe is described as a public health crisis.
- Trade unions cite heat stress as a growing threat to millions of workers.
- The European Green Party seeks to bolster the Green Deal.
European trade unions are advocating for the European Commission to implement a maximum working temperature law, driven by concerns over the escalating threat of heat stress to a vast number of workers across the continent. These unions propose the introduction of 'cooling breaks' and other essential protective measures to safeguard employees during periods of extreme heat. The call for regulatory action comes as heatwaves become a more frequent and severe challenge for the European workforce.