CAMPAIGNS
HEAT STRIKE
There is no legal maximum working temperature in the UK. We are part of the campaign to change that.
HEAT STRIKE LAUNCHED
2024
PLEDGED TO TAKE PART
3,204
What the campaign is and our demands
The WCCA are part of a coalition of trade unions and climate justice groups behind Heat Strike, a campaign which aims to protect people from the impacts of extreme heat in the UK.
01
A maximum legal working temperature
The government must set a national maximum indoor working temperature of 30°C, and 27°C for those doing strenuous work.
02
A heatwave furlough scheme
The government must work with employers and trade unions to set up a heat wave furlough scheme for when they cannot keep workplace temperatures below 30°C.
03
Make a climate action plan
The government must make a plan that responds to the climate crisis by tackling its causes, and avoiding the worst of its impacts in years to come.
Why extreme heat is a working class issue
Working class communities across the world are the hardest hit by the impacts of extreme heat. They face it at home in badly insulated housing, and in employment where workers’ protection is scarce. Despite suffering the most whilst contributing the least to climate change, working class people have the fewest tools to cope with it.
"Education workers are already living the climate crisis as a health and safety emergency, with staff reporting classroom temperatures reaching 42 degrees, nosebleeds and fainting.”
Catherine Porritt, Greener Jobs Alliance
Speaking at the Climate and Nature Education Festival
How you can get involved
Record the temperature in your workplace
Take a thermometer to work, take a picture of the temperature and share on social media with the tag #HeatStrike
Organise a cool station
Set up a station with water and shade where you can talk to people about the impacts of extreme heat, and how they can take action.
