Serbian and Slovenian unions call for heat‑wave worker protections

The Confederation of Trade Unions ‘Sloga’ in Serbia demanded that authorities and employers immediately ban outdoor and indoor work in production halls lacking adequate cooling when temperatures reach levels dangerous to health. The union urged the introduction of binding regulations similar to EU practice, including a 35 °C temperature threshold, provision of cooling systems, ventilation, chilled drinking water, more frequent breaks and full pay for any work stoppages not caused by workers.

In Slovenia, the Confederation of Trade Unions 90 also called on employers to adapt work processes during the prolonged heat wave, update risk assessments and enforce targeted inspections. It recommended measures such as shorter work hours, shade, cooled break areas, adequate hydration and higher penalties for employers who neglect worker safety. Both unions highlighted the broader societal impact of extreme heat on logistics, public transport and supply chains, and stressed that worker health must be protected by clear, enforceable standards.