
In light of the statistically proven increase in hot days, the Construction Workers’ Union (GBH) is dissatisfied with the current regulations for heat breaks.
In the summer of 2024, considering June and July, significantly fewer heat breaks were granted compared to the previous summer. “This is very unsatisfactory,” criticizes GBH Chairman Josef Muchitsch (SPÖ) and calls for legal adjustments to labor protection laws in response to climate change.
Last year, about one in four construction workers received a heat break at least once during the entire summer, ranging from an hour to several afternoons, according to Muchitsch. This year, a preliminary evaluation of data for June and July shows that only about one in ten construction workers was granted a heat break. The hot August has not yet been evaluated, and currently, in the south and east of the country, the heat continues, with temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees Celsius even into September.
“In June and July, just over 9,000 construction workers were granted heat breaks,” says Muchitsch. “Last year, it was over 23,000 for the entire summer.” Out of approximately 135,000 construction workers, around 100,000 work outdoors and are thus potentially affected by the heat.
The construction industry has a special heat regulation, as widely reported. This allows companies to release workers from duty when temperatures reach 32.5 degrees Celsius. However, this is not mandatory; naturally, not all employers take advantage of this option. When heat breaks are given, employees and employers are entitled to reimbursement from the BUAK (Construction Workers’ Leave and Severance Fund), which they jointly fund.
The union is addressing the issue on two fronts – raising awareness and pushing for a regulation that, in their view, would be more effective than the current voluntary approach. Muchitsch reiterated the union’s call for a legal adjustment. The conservative-green government had postponed related proposals and is seeking a solution through social partnership. However, the leader of the Social Democrat and FSG (Federation of Socialist Trade Unionists) argues: “The seatbelt requirement in cars only worked when it was legally mandated – it didn’t work voluntarily back then. Similarly, labor protection laws must be adjusted to address climate change.”
This is not about working less, Muchitsch notes. On construction sites, work often starts early enough that by the time temperatures reach 32.5 degrees, eight work hours have already been completed. Therefore, a legal regulation could limit working hours to eight hours on hot days. Beyond the construction sector, other areas, such as healthcare or hot manufacturing halls, should also require more breaks. Additionally, measures to lower temperatures, such as providing shade and air conditioning, could be mandated, according to the GBH Chairman. In any case, certain labor protection laws must be adapted to the new climate conditions.
To prevent potential disputes over the actual temperature between employers and unions in the construction industry, both parties are now using the same measurement stations. The official measurements from Geosphere Austria at the station closest to the construction site (postal code) are used. A specially developed GBH heat app actively informs workers about current temperatures and assures them of possible heat breaks, says Muchitsch.
Heat breaks “always involve only a few hours in the afternoon,” emphasizes the politician and unionist, who also advocates for changes in tender processes. After all, it is now possible in large parts of Austria to continue construction work throughout the winter, and this should be utilized more instead of “sticking to the old practice of having construction workers sign off during winter – this depends on the tender processes.”