German Unions Push for Heat Pay as Summer Extremes Strain Workers and Industry
Published on 07/29/2026 at 04:43 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
As temperatures climb across Germany, the country’s largest labour federation is demanding a new legal safety net for employees forced off the job by extreme heat. The call comes as businesses invest in specialised protective gear and the federal government prepares a major crisis drill for drought conditions.
The German Trade Union Federation (DGB) wants lawmakers to introduce a statutory heat-related compensation payment. The proposal follows a DGB survey showing that one in three workers already feels burdened by heat on the job. Among those under time pressure, that figure jumps to 48 percent.
DGB chairwoman Yasmin Fahimi is leading the push. “We need a legal framework that protects workers when temperatures make their workplaces unsafe,” she said.
The economic toll is steep. Each extreme heat day costs an estimated 431 million euros, according to available calculations.
Existing workplace rules already set clear thresholds. Germany’s Technical Rules for Workplaces require employers to intervene once room temperatures hit 26 degrees Celsius. At 30 degrees, specific countermeasures become mandatory. Above 35 degrees, a workspace is considered unsuitable for labour unless additional protective steps are taken.
Recommended measures include window shading, free drinking water and relaxed dress codes — though the latter remains at the employer’s discretion. Where protective clothing poses health risks, companies must offer shorter shifts or cooling rooms. Workers may only leave their posts if there is an acute danger to their health.
As workplace safety scrutiny intensifies, having the right documentation in place is essential. A free toolkit provides ready-to-use risk assessments and checklists that help UK employers stay compliant with current regulations. Download the free Health & Safety Toolkit
High-Tech Gear for High-Risk Jobs
For industries where simple cooling measures aren’t enough, technology is stepping in. Utility company Pfalzwerke Netz AG is equipping around 250 technicians with a new multi-norm clothing collection. The garments must simultaneously protect against arc flashes, heat, flames and electrostatic discharge.
The gear is certified under industrial standards including EN ISO 11612 and IEC 61482-2. Designed for industrial laundering, the clothing is replaced roughly every seven years.
In electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, requirements are even more specialised. Workwear specialist Kübler has added an ESD (electrostatic discharge) line to its portfolio. The clothing uses conductive fibres to safely channel static electricity away. Crucially, it protects products — not the wearer — from electrical voltages.
Footwear: Where Safety Meets Science
Foot protection remains a critical focus area. Experts distinguish between traditional steel-toe boots for construction and manufacturing, and metal-free composite alternatives.
Steel caps offer maximum impact resistance but conduct electricity — making them unsuitable for areas with electrical hazards. For those environments, EH-certified insulating soles or SD-certified antistatic soles are required.
To maintain key safety features like slip resistance and waterproofing, many companies enforce mandatory replacement intervals, typically ranging from 12 to 24 months.
Keeping up with health and safety law is a continuous responsibility. A free toolkit covering the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 gives you nine practical tools, including director liability guides and compliance checklists, to help protect your workforce. Get the free Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 Toolkit
State-Level Crisis Planning
The issue has reached the highest levels of government. Germany’s Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) is preparing LÜKEX 26, a nationwide crisis management exercise scheduled for November 2026.
The scenario: an extreme drought and heatwave, based on conditions recorded in early summer 2026 when temperatures hit 40 degrees Celsius. A total of 183 organisations will take part in the drill.
For specialised professions like beekeeping, priorities differ entirely. Multi-layer mesh fabrics for ventilation and light colours take centre stage. In recreational activities, materials with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) ratings and breathable membranes are gaining traction — features now appearing in current mountain sports collections.
Disclaimer regarding our articles: No investment advice, no buy or sell recommendation. Information on prices, companies, and markets is provided without guarantee; changes are possible at any time. Stock market transactions can lead to substantial losses. Our articles are created and reviewed in whole or in part automatically with the support of AI.
