Extreme heat – we have to act

In a motion on extreme heat, hospitality sector delegate Claire Trevor spoke on a motion about heat strike.

She said, “Many of us in low paid, precarious jobs during a cost of living crisis are spending the whole year suffering from the increasingly extreme temperatures in the UK inside and outside of work.

“Kitchen heat is often extreme, with temperatures reaching over 40. On long shifts in poorly ventilated buildings with minimal breaks, this can have serious effects on workers’ health. Workers are not just at risk of heat stroke, being repeatedly exposed to excessive heat can cause health conditions like cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease. 

“There is a proven link between excessive heat and workplace injuries because of the effect it has on concentration. Hospitality workers are at risk from the heat in the kitchens and the physically demanding nature of the job. 

“Furthermore, workplaces in our sector, like others, are suffering cuts in a post pandemic, post Brexit economic climate. Many workplaces are not getting air con or heater maintenance, or the emergency fans and heaters needed for extreme temperatures. 

“This has a knock-on effect as there are fewer guests willing to endure extreme temperatures inside hospitality venues, which means there is less money for labour, so the hours available within precarious jobs are also affected.

“The Hospitality sector has a low union density so there is a limited understanding of workers’ rights. Many workers have no knowledge of section 44 of the Employment rights act and how it can be used. 

“Congress, we have to change this.  Alongside the TUC, Unite is lobbying for a maximum working temperature of 30 degrees, or 27 for anyone in strenuous conditions. Workers who don’t consider themselves political or who are not aware of unions are still affected by the heat. 

“Youth dominated precarious industries are less likely to be unionised. We need to focus on issues which affect young workers, such as the climate crisis, to activate the activists and collectively demand better. 

“This is why the heat strike should be a driving force to mobilise workers to take action, to understand that these issues are a reason to fight back against bad practices in the workplace, and to ensure the crucial renewal of the trade union movement for the next generation. 

“Young workers are not the future, climate crisis is not the future. Young workers and the climate crisis need to be accommodated now before it is too late.” 

Claire concluded, “In a just transition, no worker should be left behind, but we must not forget that there are no jobs on a dead planet. There is no trade union renewal if we don’t mobilise the future generations of workers. The climate crisis will affect everyone, so it is our responsibility to ensure we are fighting back against bad practices in the workplace and reminding workers of their power to do this.”

The motion was carried.

By Amanda Campbell

Pic Mark Thomas