Proposal for 'climate leave' following temperatures exceeding 40 degrees
Record temperatures affecting Europe have sparked a new debate in France regarding employees' leave rights. The Green Party has proposed granting employees 5 days of paid climate leave per year when temperatures reach 40 degrees.
12punto
Extreme heat waves, which are increasing in intensity across Europe, are negatively affecting not only daily life but also the workplace. In France, the Green Party has proposed the introduction of a new leave right to protect the health of employees when temperatures in the workplace reach dangerous levels.
According to the regulation brought to the agenda by the party, the way would be opened for employees to take "climate leave" when the thermometer exceeds 40 degrees in the workplace. While it is envisioned that this leave would be limited to 5 days per year, it is proposed that it be used not only for extreme heat but also for extraordinary climate events such as floods and fires.
In France, a significant increase in hospital admissions has been observed in recent days due to the heat wave, particularly in the capital Paris and its surrounding areas. According to information obtained, approximately 3 thousand people have applied to health institutions due to heatstroke and similar health problems in the last 24 hours alone.
The Green Party launched a petition on June 21 for the proposal to be implemented and has gathered the support of approximately 8 thousand 800 people so far.
As the effects of climate change on the business world are being discussed, this proposal in France could lead to similar steps being brought to the agenda in Europe.