Construction Halt at 33 Degrees: IG BAU advocates for definite temperature threshold
In the face of the ongoing heatwave and its challenges for outdoor construction work, the Industrial Union of the Building Trade (IG BAU) has renewed its proposal for a seasonal short-time work allowance (Kurzarbeitergeld) for construction workers. This proposal could potentially improve the working conditions for construction workers during hot weather and address safety concerns in extreme heat conditions.
Currently, short-time work allowance in Germany is primarily a government-supported benefit for companies experiencing economic difficulty. However, the IG BAU's proposal aims to extend this benefit to cover hot weather conditions throughout the year. If accepted, employees would be entitled to short-time work allowance during hot weather, in addition to the current situation.
The legal working hours in Germany are strictly limited to 8 hours per day, extendable to 10 hours if averaged over six months. However, there are no specific reductions mandated for heatwaves. Employers may adapt working conditions for health and safety reasons, but a formal seasonal short-time allowance for hot weather in construction is not yet indicated.
The IG BAU's proposal could lead to a more equitable distribution of workload among construction workers during hot weather and set a precedent for addressing extreme weather conditions in the construction industry. The union has stated that outdoor work should stop when the thermometer reads above 33 degrees Celsius, and sunscreen, water, and breaks are no longer sufficient at these temperatures.
At present, there is no specific publicly available information about a seasonal short-time work allowance policy applied explicitly to construction workers during hot weather or heatwaves in Germany. For authoritative and up-to-date confirmation on this specific topic, consulting German labor authority announcements or union guidelines for the construction sector would be advisable.
In conclusion, while the short-time work allowance exists primarily for economic crises, not specifically for heat or seasonal weather effects, the IG BAU's proposal could provide a more comprehensive solution for ensuring worker safety during hot weather. If accepted, this proposal could mark a significant step towards improving the working conditions for construction workers during extreme heat conditions.
