Union Advocates for Safe Work Conditions: Introducing Maximum Working Temperatures and 4 Days of ‘Climate Leave’

A union in Ireland is advocating for new safety measures in the workplace due to increasing extreme weather events. Unite is pushing for a maximum working temperature to protect employees. They will meet with Enterprise Minister Peter Burke to discuss their ideas.

Unite’s proposal includes four days of paid “climate leave” for workers facing hazardous travel conditions or those needing to deal with urgent issues at home due to bad weather. They suggest establishing a maximum working temperature based on the type of job and environment.

The union proposes that if temperatures reach 24°C, employers should implement cooling systems. If temperatures hit 30°C (or 27°C for strenuous jobs), work should stop unless safety measures can be enforced. They also call for risk assessments during extreme weather and a halt to all non-essential outdoor work during severe alerts, ensuring workers remain paid.

Susan Fitzgerald, Unite’s Irish Secretary, highlighted the urgency of their demands. She pointed out that climate change is making extreme weather more frequent and intense. “Workers shouldn’t suffer from a crisis they didn’t create,” she emphasized.

In preparation for International Workers’ Memorial Day, Unite surveyed its members about safety during recent storms. The survey revealed that 55% felt unsafe traveling to work during Storm Eowyn. Additionally, over half of the outdoor workers felt their employers hadn’t taken enough precautions to ensure their safety. Alarmingly, many who were required to stay home had to use personal leave, which added financial stress.

General Secretary Sharon Graham remarked, “Our survey shows many workers felt unsafe during the storm. Some employers even asked workers to use leave, shifting the financial burden onto them.” She urged the government to update health and safety laws to protect workers during extreme weather.

As climate challenges grow, more unions and workers will likely advocate for similar protections. Historical context shows that labor movements have often gained traction during crises. The current climate emergency may prompt a new wave of worker advocacy focused on safety and well-being.

According to recent data, over 80% of workers in various sectors report concerns about climate-related risks to their jobs. As more individuals express these concerns, it becomes increasingly important for organizations to adapt and prioritize employee safety in the face of climate change.

For more information on workplace safety and climate change, you can read this report from [OSHA](https://www.osha.gov). Keeping workers safe is not just a legal obligation, but an ethical one that benefits everyone involved.

Check out this related article: Empowering Future Generations: How Nepal’s Climate Change Agenda Puts Children and Youth First