Construction-Wood Union Sees Heat Break Regulation on Construction Failed
Despite 29 hot days above 32.5 degrees, only one in five workers received heat leave. Therefore, the Construction and Wood Union is demanding five measures for the health protection of employees from politics, employers, and clients.
Only One in Five Gets Heat Leave: Construction and Wood Union Sees Voluntary System Failed
In 2024, an average of 135,912 employees were employed in the BUAK sectors from May to September. However, only 27,808 of them received heat leave, which corresponds to only 20.46 percent. In comparison, the percentage in 2019 was still 26.97 percent. Despite the record number of 29 hot days in 2024, only one in five employees received heat leave at least once. This illustrates a significant decline since the implementation of the 32.5-degree rule in 2019.
Construction and Wood Union: Heat Leave Saves Lives, But Does Not Delay Construction Projects
In reality, heat leave does not mean the loss of entire working days, but only a few hours in the afternoon on hot days to protect health and not perform any more work. This year, an average of 2.97 hours of heat leave was granted per employee. This fact refutes the claim by employers and clients that heat leave would hinder construction work. On the contrary: A few hours of heat leave on hot days protect the health of employees without significantly affecting the progress of construction.
In 2024, there were 29 hot days, 10 more than in 2023. Nevertheless, more employees received heat leave in 2023: 29,078 compared to 27,808 in 2024. This illustrates that voluntary measures do not work, as fewer and fewer companies grant heat leave - despite increasing workloads and reduced order capacity. Legal regulations are urgently needed to guarantee the protection of employees.
Construction and Wood Union Presents Demands on the Topic of Heat Leave
- Gesetzliche Verankerung von Hitzefrei: Die Gewerkschaft Bau-Holz fordert die Einführung verpflichtender Regelungen für hitzefrei bei einer Temperatur von 32,5 Grad Celsius im Schatten. Die Freiwilligkeit sollte durch gesetzliche Anforderungen ersetzt werden, um den Schutz der Beschäftigten zu gewährleisten.
- Sanktionen für Nichteinhaltung von Hitzefrei: Bei Verstößen oder Missachtungen der Reglegungen zu Hitzefrei am Bau fordert die Gewerkschaft Bau-Holz Sanktionen für Unternehmen und Auftraggeber
- Arbeitszeitverlagerungen: In den kühleren Tagesanfängen zu arbeiten sowie eine saisonale Anpassungsfähigkeit - der Klimawandel erlaubt in vielen Bundesländern vermehrt Baumaßnahmen auch in den Wintermonaten.
- Keine Verzögerungen durch Hitzefrei am Bau: Sollten doch Verzögerungen durch die Regelungen zu Hitzefrei am Bau entstehen, fordert die Gewerkschaft Bau-Holz, dass keine Pönalen verrechnet werden dürfen.
- Verantwortung und Sicherheit im Klimawandel: In Anbetracht der steigenden Anzahl an Hitzetagen wegen des Klimawandels verlangt die Gewerkschaft Bau-Holz eine zukunftsweisende Änderung des Arbeitsrechts, um den zunehmenden Herausforderungen begegnen zu können.
"The numbers are clear: Voluntariness fails. We finally need legal guidelines that ensure that mandatory action is taken at temperatures above 32.5 degrees Celsius. With today's accurate weather forecasts, there are no more excuses - employers and clients can plan for hot days in advance, whether it's delivery dates or construction schedules. It's time to take responsibility and take the duty of care seriously. A few hours of heat leave protect the health of employees, without endangering the progress of construction," concludes Josef Muchitsch, Federal Chairman of the Construction and Wood Union and Member of the National Council.
(Red)
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