Yasmin Fahimi, chair of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), has proposed the introduction of a heat-related compensation scheme to protect employees during extreme summer temperatures. As climate change leads to more frequent and intense heatwaves, Fahimi argues that current workplace protections are insufficient to handle the physical strain placed on workers in outdoor sectors like construction, agriculture, and logistics.
The proposal suggests that when temperatures reach dangerous levels, companies should be required to implement stricter safety measures or allow for work stoppages. In cases where work must be suspended due to extreme heat, Fahimi advocates for a state-backed compensation model similar to the existing short-time work allowance. This would ensure that employees do not suffer a loss of income when their health is at risk.
This call for reform comes as Germany experiences record-breaking summer temperatures, prompting a broader debate about occupational health and safety. While some industries have already implemented internal heat protection plans, there is currently no standardized national regulation that mandates specific breaks or compensation for heat-related work interruptions.
Employers and industry associations are now weighing the potential economic impact of such a policy. Critics point to the logistical challenges of implementing a nationwide system, noting that different sectors face unique operational constraints. The government has yet to issue a formal response, but the DGB's initiative has placed the issue of climate-resilient labor laws firmly on the political agenda for the coming legislative sessions.